KR100404412B1 - Remanufacturing method of process cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

A first unit for supporting an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a developer frame for supporting a developing roller, and a developer accommodating part for accommodating a developer used for developing by the developing roller, and a developer housed inside the developer accommodating part. A second unit having a developer supply opening for supplying to the developing roller, wherein the first and second units are removably mounted to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, rotatably coupled to each other. The method for regenerating a process cartridge to be processed includes (a) a unit separating step of separating the first and second units from each other, and (b) disassembling the developing roller mounted on the second unit separated by the separating step. Roller disassembly, and (c) the original seal mounted to the developing frame along the longitudinal direction of the developing frame to prevent leakage of the developer between the developing roller and the developing frame. A further seal mounting step of mounting an additional seal, (d) a developer refilling step of refilling the developer inside the developer receiving portion of the second unit separated by the separating step, and (e) Toner sealing in the developer supply opening which is unsealed by removing the toner seal at the start of use of the process cartridge; and (f) removing the toner seal at the start of use of the process cartridge; A unit recombination step of recombining the first unit and the second unit with each other to regenerate the process cartridge without remounting the sieve.

Description

Remanufacture process cartridge {REMANUFACTURING METHOD OF PROCESS CARTRIDGE}

The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a process cartridge.

Here, the process cartridge is a cartridge charging means, a developing means, a cleaning means and an electrophotographic photosensitive member as units, and the cartridge is detachably mounted to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

The process cartridge may be a cartridge including an electrophotographic photosensitive member and at least one charging means, developing means and cleaning means as a unit, the cartridge being detachably mounted to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

The process cartridge may be a cartridge including at least an developing means as an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a unit, the cartridge being detachably mounted to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (LED printer, laser beam printer) and the like.

In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic image forming method, a process cartridge is used to integrally include an electrophotographic photosensitive member and process means operable on an electrophotographic photosensitive member, wherein the process cartridge is a main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. It is detachably mounted on.

Depending on the form of the process cartridge, maintenance of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus can be performed effectively without maintenance personnel.

Thus, the process cartridge form is widely used in the field of electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

The process cartridge is operated to form an image on the recording material using a developer. At this time, the developer is consumed by the image forming operation. When the developer is consumed such that the quality of the image is unsatisfactory for the user, the commercial value of the process cartridge ends.

There is a need for an easy regeneration method to add commercial value to such process cartridges.

Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to provide an easy regeneration method of a process cartridge.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an easy regeneration method of a process cartridge such that the developer does not leak out of the process cartridge even when the process cartridge is moved.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an easy regeneration method in which process cartridges that have terminated commercial value can be given commercial value and regain commercial value.

1 is a vertical sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

2 is a vertical sectional view of a process cartridge.

3 is a perspective view of a process cartridge for illustrating a process of detaching or assembling the process cartridge;

4 is a perspective view of a process cartridge for illustrating a process of detaching or assembling the process cartridge;

Fig. 5 is a left side view of the process cartridge for illustrating the process of detaching or assembling the process cartridge.

6 is a right side view of the process cartridge for illustrating a process of detaching or assembling the process cartridge.

7 is a perspective view of a unit formed by combining a cleaning and developing unit of a process cartridge.

8 is a perspective view of a developed unit by combining a cleaning and developing unit of a process cartridge.

9 is an exploded perspective view of the cleaning unit.

10 is an exploded perspective view of the toner container side of the developing unit.

11 is an exploded perspective view of a developing unit partially separated;

12A and 12B are horizontal sectional views of the toner discharge opening portion of the toner holding frame portion, showing how the toner discharge opening is sealed.

13 is a perspective view of a developing means holding frame portion;

14 is a front view of a developing unit.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the front of the developing unit before the overhaul, shown obliquely over the right front;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the developing unit before the overhaul, shown obliquely over the left front side.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the whole of a developing unit, shown obliquely above the left front side;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of the rear portion (bottom side) of the developing unit before the overhaul shown from below the left front side.

Figure 19 is a perspective view of the upper right portion of the junction between the toner holding frame portion and the developing means holding frame portion, in which the developing unit is shown in the same direction as that shown in Figure 16;

Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing the same part of the joint shown in Fig. 19, shown in the direction opposite to the direction in which the joint is shown;

Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the inner surface of the right side plate of the developing means holding frame before the overhaul;

Figure 22 is a perspective view of the front part of the developing unit after application of the sealer and attachment of the "blow-by" preventive backing seal, shown obliquely from the right front (this corresponds to Figure 15).

Figure 23 is a perspective view of the rear part of the developing unit after application of the sealer and attachment of the "blow-by" prevention backup seal, shown obliquely from the front left side (this corresponds to Figure 18).

Fig. 24 is a perspective view showing the inner side of the side plate of the developing means holding frame portion after the seal is applied (this corresponds to Fig. 21).

Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the front part of the developing unit after the seal is applied, which is shown obliquely from the left side (this corresponds to Fig. 16).

Figure 26 is a vertical cross sectional view of a portion of a developing unit in which a "blow-by" prevention seal is placed;

Figure 27 is a front view of the frame portion of the developing unit with the developing roller and developing blade removed.

Figure 28 is a front view of the frame portion of the developing unit in which the developing roller and the developing blade are removed and a "blow-by" prevention backup seal is applied.

Figure 29 is a front view of the frame portion of the developing unit in which the developing roller and the developing blade are removed and a "blow-by" prevention backup seal is applied.

Figure 30 is a front view of the frame portion of the developing unit in which the developing roller and the developing blade are removed and a "blow-by" prevention backup seal is applied.

Figure 31 is a perspective view of a left side portion of the joint portion between the toner holding frame portion and the developing means holding frame portion.

Figure 32 is a perspective view of a left side portion of the joint portion between the toner holding frame portion and the developing means holding frame portion after the sealant is applied.

Figure 33 is a vertical sectional view of the portion of the toner holding frame refilled with toner.

34 is a front view of the charging unit.

Fig. 35 is a vertical sectional view of the cleaning device for removing waste toner.

Figure 36 is a perspective view of a toner vacuum device.

37A and 37B are flowcharts showing a waste toner removal method.

<Description of the code | symbol about the principal part of drawing>

1: optical system

2: recording medium

3: conveying means

5: fixing means

6: carrying tray

7: photosensitive drum

8: charging roller

9: developing means

10: washing means

11: toner holding frame

12: developing means holding frame portion

13: cleaning means holding frame

14: device main assembly

15: cartridge cover

A: laser beam printer

B: process cartridge

C: developing unit

D: washing unit

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first unit for supporting an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a developer accommodating portion for supporting a developing roller, and a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer used for developing by the developing roller. And a second unit having a developer supply opening for supplying the developer contained in the developer accommodating portion to the developing roller, wherein the first and second units are rotatably coupled to each other. Provided is a method of reclaiming a process cartridge detachably mounted to a main assembly of the method, the method comprising:

(a) a unit separating step of separating the first unit and the second unit from each other,

(b) a developing roller disassembling step of disassembling the developing roller mounted on the second unit separated in the separating step;

(c) an additional seal mounting step of mounting an additional seal along the original seal mounted to the developing frame along the longitudinal direction of the developing frame to prevent leakage of the developer between the developing roller and the developing frame; ,

(d) a developer recharging step of recharging the developer inside the developer accommodating portion of the second unit separated by the separating step;

(e) reloading the developing roller to the second unit separated by the separating step;

(f) unit recombination for recombining the first unit and the second unit to regenerate the process cartridge without remounting the toner seal in the unsealed developer supply opening by removing the toner seal at the beginning of use of the process cartridge; Steps.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent with reference to the preferred embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

First, the general structure of the image forming apparatus and process cartridge of the embodiment of the present invention will be described, and then the method of assembling the process cartridge will be described. Finally, how the process cartridge is overhauled and the overhaul cartridge will be described. In addition, the short or "wide" direction of the process cartridge B means the direction in which the process cartridge B is inserted or removed from the apparatus main assembly 14, and coincides with the direction in which the recording medium is transferred. The longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B means the direction intersecting (approximately perpendicular) with the direction in which the process cartridge B is inserted or removed into the apparatus main assembly 14. It intersects the direction in which the recording medium is transferred (approximately perpendicular) and is parallel to the surface of the recording medium.

1 is a diagram showing the structure of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (laser beam printer according to the present invention). 2 to 6 are diagrams of a process cartridge according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the process cartridge in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge, and Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the process cartridge. 4 is a perspective view of the process cartridge in a partially disassembled state, and FIG. 5 is a left side view of the process cartridge in a partially disassembled state. 6 is a right side view of the process cartridge in a partially disassembled state. The upper surface of the process cartridge B means such a surface of the process cartridge B on the upper side and facing upward after proper mounting of the process cartridge B into the apparatus main assembly 14, and the process cartridge ( The bottom face of B) means such a surface of the process cartridge B which is on the bottom side and faces downward after proper mounting of the process cartridge B into the apparatus main assembly 14. The left side or the right side of the process cartridge B is the left side or the right side of the process cartridge B when viewed from the diagonal above the distal side of the process cartridge B in the direction in which the process cartridge B is mounted into the apparatus main assembly 14. Means.

First, a laser beam printer A as an example of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the process cartridge in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B. FIG. As shown in Fig. 1, this laser beam printer A is an apparatus for forming an image on a single recording medium (e.g., recording sheet, OHP sheet, fabric, etc.) using an electrophotographic image forming process. The laser beam printer forms a visible image (hereinafter "toner image") on an electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter "photosensitive drum") using a developer (hereinafter "toner"). More specifically, the photosensitive drum is charged by the charging means, and the latent image is formed on this charged photosensitive drum by projecting the laser beam adjusted with the image forming data onto the charged photosensitive drum from the optical means. This latent image is developed into a toner image by the developing means. Simultaneously with the formation of the toner image, the recording medium 2 stored in the paper feed cassette 3a is taken out and conveyed by the pickup roller 3b and the pair of registration rollers 3e. Next, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 of the process cartridge B is transferred onto the recording medium 2 by applying a voltage to the transfer roller 4 as the toner image transfer means. After the transfer of the toner image, the recording medium 2 is conveyed to the fixing means 5 by the conveyance guide 3f. The fixing means 5 comprises a drive roller 5c and a fixing roller 5b incorporating a heater 5a. When the recording medium 2 passes through the fixing means 5, the fixing means 5 fixes the toner image to the recording medium 2 by applying heat and pressure. Thereafter, the recording medium 2 is conveyed through the inversion passage 3j and discharged into the conveyance tray 6 by a pair of discharge rollers 3g. The transport tray 6 is disposed on the upper side of the lid 35 to expose or cover the opening through which the process cartridge B is mounted or separated from the main assembly 14 of the image forming apparatus A therethrough. . In this embodiment, the conveying means 3 is constituted by combining the pickup roller 3b, the mating roller pair 3c, the conveying guide 3f and the discharge roller pair 3g.

In comparison with reference to Fig. 2, in the process cartridge B, the photosensitive member having the photosensitive layer 7e as the peripheral layer is rotated, and when the photosensitive member is rotated, the peripheral surface thereof is charged as a charging means. It is uniformly charged by applying a voltage to the roller 8. Thereafter, the latent image is on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 7 by a laser beam L projected onto the photosensitive drum 7 from the optical system 1 via the exposure opening 1e while being adjusted with the image data. Is formed. This latent image is developed (visualized) by the developing means 9 using toner. More specifically, the charging roller 8 is disposed in contact with the photosensitive drum 7 and charges the photosensitive drum 7. The charging roller 8 is rotated by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 7. The developing means 9 develops a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 by supplying toner to the photosensitive drum 7 over an area in the developing station. The optical system 1 comprises a laser diode, polygon mirror, lens and reflection mirror 1d, not shown.

In the developing means 9, the toner in the toner container 11A is sent to the developing roller 9c by the rotation of the toner conveying member 9b. When the developing roller 9c including the fixed magnet is rotated, the toner particle layer electrically frictionally charged by the developing blade 9d is formed on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 9c by the developing blade 9d. . Toner particles are supplied from this layer of toner particles across the zone in the developing station to the photosensitive drum 7, more specifically, the toner particles are transferred onto the photosensitive drum 7 according to the pattern of the latent image, and as a result, the toner image, In other words, a visible image is formed. The developing blade 9d is a member for adjusting the amount of toner applied on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 9c. The toner stirring member 9e for circulating the toner in the developing chamber is rotatably mounted adjacent to the developing roller 9c.

The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 is transferred onto the recording medium 2 by applying a voltage of opposite polarity to the transfer roller 4 as compared with the toner. Thereafter, toner particles remaining on the photosensitive drum 7 are removed by the washing means 10. More specifically, toner particles remaining on the photosensitive drum 7 are collected into the waste toner box 10b by the elastic cleaning blade 10a of the cleaning means 10 which is removed and placed in contact with the photosensitive drum 7. . The toner collecting member 10c is a member for conveying waste toner, i.e., toner removed downward from the photosensitive drum 7, inwardly of the waste toner box 10b by the cleaning blade 10a.

The process cartridge B is a developing means for holding a toner holding frame portion 11 having a toner container 11A (toner storage portion) for holding toner, and a developing means 9 such as a developing roller 9c. The holding frame portion 12 and the cleaning means holding frame 13 to which the charging means 8 and the cleaning means 10 such as the photosensitive drum 7 and the cleaning blade 10a are mounted. In assembling the process cartridge B, the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 are first coupled to each other, and the cleaning means holding frame 13 is attached to a combination of the frame portions 11 and 12. Attached. The combination of the three frame parts 11, 12, 13 is covered with a cartridge lid 15. The process cartridge B is removably mountable in the apparatus main assembly 14 by an operator.

The process cartridge B has an exposure opening 1e through which light rays according to the image formation information are projected onto the photosensitive drum 7 and a peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 7 is disposed at right angles to the recording medium 2. The transfer opening 13n is provided. More precisely, the exposure opening 1e is provided on the cartridge lid 15 side, while the transfer opening 13n is formed between the developing means holding frame portion 12 and the cleaning means holding frame portion 13. .

Next, the structure of the housing of the process cartridge B according to the present invention will be described. The process cartridge B according to the present invention comprises a housing and the above-mentioned photosensitive drum 7, a charging roller 8, a developing means 9, a cleaning means 10, and the like, mounted in the housing. The housing is a combination of the toner holding frame 11, the developing means holding frame portion 12, and the cleaning means holding frame portion 13. In manufacture, the toner holding frame 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 are coupled to each other and the cleaning means holding frame portion 13 is pivotally attached. Thereafter, the combination of the three frame portions 11, 12, 13 is covered with a cartridge lid 15. The process cartridge B is removably mounted in the cartridge mounting means provided in the apparatus main assembly 14.

{Housing Structure of Process Cartridge B}

As described above, the process cartridge B according to the present invention is a combination of the toner holding frame 11, the developing means holding frame portion 12, and the cleaning means holding frame portion 13, and a cartridge cover covering the combined combination ( And a housing consisting of 15). Next, the structure of this housing will be described.

Referring to Fig. 2, the toner conveying member 9b is rotatably attached to the toner holding frame portion 11. The toner conveying member 9b includes a crank 9b1 and a slider 9b2 coupled to the pin portion of the crank 9b1. The developing roller 9c, the developing blade 9d, and the toner stirring member 9e are attached to the developing means holding frame portion 12, and the toner stirring member 9c is used to circulate the toner in the developing chamber. Adjacent to 9c). The rod antenna 9h disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 9c is also attached to the developing means holding frame portion 12. After the arrangement of these elements, the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 are welded to each other by sandwiching the overcoat plate 53 therebetween, so that a single second portion of the process cartridge B or The developing unit D is formed.

Various elements of the photosensitive drum 7, the charging roller 8 and the cleaning member 10 are attached to the cleaning means holding frame portion 13. A drum shutter 18 covering the photosensitive drum 7 is also attached to the cleaning means holding frame portion 13 to prevent the photosensitive drum 7 from being exposed to light for an extended period of time and coming into contact with foreign matter, so that the process cartridge B To form a first part (of FIG. 5) or a cleaning unit (C).

The developing unit D and the cleaning unit C are connected to each other in such a manner as to be pivoted relative to each other about the pivot axis SC (of FIGS. 5 and 6), thereby making up an important part of the process cartridge B. FIG. do. More specifically, referring to Fig. 8, the developing means holding frame portion 12 is arm 19R attached one by one to the longitudinal ends (axial direction of the developing roller 9c) of the developing means holding frame portion 12, 19 L). The end portions 19R1 and 19L1 of the arms 19R and 19L are provided with the rotation shaft 20R and the hole 20L (Fig. 11), respectively. These arms 19R and 19L are disposed between the mutually facing side plates 13s of the cleaning means holding frame portion 13. One of the longitudinal ends of the cleaning means holding frame portion 13 is a U-shaped slot 21R which is fitted such that the above-described rotation shaft 20R is correctly disposed (with reference to the intersection between the axis of the rotation shaft and the side plate 13e). Equipped with.

The hole 21L is arranged such that its axis is parallel to the photosensitive drum 7 and coincides with a line extending through the center of the arc, i.e., the base of the U-shaped slot 21R. Here, it can be seen that the slot 21R and the hole 21L are provided in the right and left side plates 13s of the cleaning means holding frame portion 13, respectively. The above-described rotating shaft 20R is fitted into the slot 21R, and the connecting pin 22 (of FIG. 5) is arm 19L through the hole 21L of the side plate 13e of the cleaning means holding frame portion 13. Is pressed into the hole 20L disposed in the end portion 19L1. As a result, the developing unit D and the cleaning unit C are interconnected to allow mutual pivotal movement about the pivot axis SC. Between the two units, a pair of tension coil springs 24a, 24b (see reference numeral 24b in FIG. 5) are directed toward each other to ensure that the developing roller 9c and the photosensitive drum 7 continue to be pressed against each other. Units are positioned to continue to pull. Thus, by providing a spacer ring 9i (Fig. 11) larger in diameter than the developing roller 9c and fitted around the longitudinal end of the developing roller 9c, the spacer ring 9i continues on the photosensitive drum 7 It is pressurized and maintains predetermined space (about 300 micrometers) between the photosensitive drum 7 and the developing roller 9c. By providing the above-described structural arrangement, the developing unit D and the cleaning unit C are pivotable relative to the rotating shaft 20R and the connecting pin 22, and the elasticity of the tension coil springs 24a and 24b It is possible to maintain a predetermined positional relationship between the developing roller 9c and the peripheral surfaces of the photosensitive unit 7. These tension coil springs 24a and 24b vertically connect the interface between the photosensitive drum 7 and the developing roller 9c and the pivot axis SC which pivots the developing unit D and the cleaning unit C with respect to each other. Positioned to intersect the line.

{Structure means structure of process cartridge}

Next, a means will be described for guiding the process cartridge B when the process cartridge B is mounted in or detached from the apparatus main assembly 14.

This guiding means is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. 5 and 6 are left and right side views of the process cartridge B as shown from the rear end side (indicated by the arrow X in FIG. 1 as shown from the developing unit side) with respect to the process cartridge mounting direction. It is also.

5 and 6, the process cartridge B includes a cleaning means holding frame portion 13 to guide the process cartridge B when the process cartridge B is mounted to or detached from the apparatus main assembly 14. A pair of guiding means is provided, which is attached to The guide means is a cylindrical guide portion 13a like the guide member.

Each cylindrical guide portion 13a or cylindrical member projects outward from the side plate of the cleaning means holding frame portion 13 so that its axis coincides with the axis of the photosensitive drum. It is also compatible with the drum shaft 7a (having an axis coinciding with the axis of the photosensitive drum 7) supporting the photosensitive drum 7 at each longitudinal end of the photosensitive drum 7.

The cylindrical guide portion 13a is clamped and attached to the support plate 13c which is fixed to the side plate 13s of the cleaning means holding frame portion 13 using a small screw. The cylindrical guide portion 13a and the support plate 13c are formed of a metal material. With the above structural arrangement, the photosensitive drum 7 is supported by the cleaning means holding frame portion 13 with the cylindrical guide portion 13a (which is compatible with the drum shaft 7a) and the supporting plate 13c interposed therebetween. The drum shaft 7a is accurately positioned by being fitted into the hole 13s1 of the side plate 13s of the cleaning means holding frame portion 13 (Fig. 9).

The cartridge cover 15 covers the developing unit D and the cleaning unit C from above. An opening 1e is provided which is located approximately center of the cartridge cover 15 with respect to the front to rear direction (direction indicated by arrows K1 and K2 in Fig. 1) penetrating the cartridge cover 15 in the vertical direction. do. The cartridge cover 15 is part of the process cartridge B that not only externally protects the developing unit D and the cleaning unit C, but also facilitates the operation of the process cartridge.

The developing unit D means a unit formed by combining the toner holding frame portion 11 including the toner and the toner conveying member 9b and the developing means holding frame portion 12 including the developing means 9. do. The cleaning unit c is a unit comprising a photosensitive drum 7, cleaning means such as cleaning blades, a charging roller 8 and a cleaning means holding frame 13 for supporting the processing element.

The cartridge cover 15 is fixed to the cleaning means holding frame portion 13 and covers the combination of the developing unit D and the cleaning unit C from above. 4, 5 and 6, each of the side plates 13s of the cleaning means holding frame portion 13 is provided with a circular hole 13e and an elongated hole 13f. The major axis of the long hole 13f coincides with the line connecting the center of the circular hole 13c and the long hole 13f.

The cartridge cover 15 is provided with through holes 15b and 15c located in each of the side plates 15a located one-to-one at the longitudinal end of the cartridge cover 15. The through holes 15b and 15c are formed by the through holes 15b and 15c in which the cartridge cover 15 is aligned with the developing unit D and the cleaning unit C, the circular hole 13e, and the cleaning means holding frame portion 13. Small screws 15d are threaded into the circular holes 13e through the through holes 15b and the pins 15e are pressed through the through holes 15c. And then inserted into the long hole 13f. To simplify the process cartridge assembly, the cartridge cover 15 includes two upwardly from the bottom side of the front wall 15f with respect to the direction of the cartridge cover 15 in which the process cartridge B is mounted in the laser beam printer A. A hook 15g is provided which is formed by cutting the slit. When the cartridge cover 15 is placed on the mating combination of the developing unit D and the cleaning unit C, this hook 15g is provided on the front wall of the cleaning means holding frame portion 13 (Fig. 5). ) End portion is coupled to the groove (13g) outwardly bent. As the hook 15g passes through the groove 13g, the end of the hook 15g is self-fixed to the lower surface 13i of the front wall of the cleaning means holding frame portion 13 and runs longitudinally, from front to rear and The positional relationship of the cartridge cover 15 with respect to the cleaning unit C with respect to the horizontal direction is fixed, whereby the cartridge cover 15 with the long hole 13f and the circular hole 13e of the cleaning means holding frame portion 13. The through holes 15b and 15c are aligned. As a result, the cartridge is simplified.

The process cartridge B constructed as described above is mounted to the laser beam printer A shown in FIG. The laser beam printer A is hinged to the device main assembly 14 at a support point 35a located at the lower end of the front side, relative to the direction indicated by arrow K1 of the device main assembly 14. The lid 35 is provided. The lid 35 is usually in a closed state (shown in solid lines in the drawing) and opened when the process cartridge B is replaced, and jams of the recording medium 2 such as paper, that is, an object on which an image is formed. Is in a similar situation (as shown by the double dashed line in the drawing). The process cartridge B is temporarily held by the open lid 35. More specifically, the lid 35 is provided with brackets 34b and 35c located in the lower portion of the lid 35 and on which the process cartridge B is supported.

As the lid is sealed, the cylindrical guide 13a of the process cartridge B whose axis coincides with the axis of the photosensitive drum 7 is positioned at a predetermined position by an unillustrated fixture of the apparatus main assembly 14. It fits into a positioning groove (not shown). As a result, the position and attitude of the process cartridge B are fixed. When the mounting position and posture of the process cartridge B are fixed, the lid is not completely sealed. When the lid 35 is completely sealed, the lower portions of the brackets 35b and 35c supporting the process cartridge B are the process cartridge B. Move farther downward from The reflective mirror 1d is fixed to the lid 35 and the lid 35 is completely sealed, so that the laser beam L can be reflected toward the image forming region of the photosensitive drum 7.

Since the process cartridge B is inserted into the apparatus main assembly 14, the drum gear 7b (of FIGS. 8 and 9) attached to one of the longitudinal ends of the photosensitive drum 7 is on the apparatus main assembly side. Meshes with a drive gear, not shown, provided. As a result, the process cartridge B can be driven from the apparatus main assembly side.

According to FIG. 2, the charging unit E includes a charging roller 8. The charging roller 8 includes a shaft 8a and an elastic member 8a2 rigidly formed around the shaft 8a. It is kept pressed on the photosensitive drum 7. More specifically, the charging member holding frame portion 8A is fixed to the washing means holding frame portion 13, and the pair of charging roller bearings 8b are one-to-one positions at the longitudinal ends of the charging means holding frame portion 8A. It is slidably fitted into a pair of parallel guide grooves 8A1 of the charging means holding frame portion 8A. The shaft 8a of the charging roller 8 is rotatably supported by the pair of bearings 8b. Between the charging roller bearing 8c and the charging means holding frame portion 8A, the pair of compression coil springs 8c are positioned in a compressed state.

The position between the photosensitive drum 7, the charging roller 8, and the guide groove 8A1 is such that the plane connecting the axes of the photosensitive drum 7 and the charging roller 8 is approximately half the symmetry of the guide groove 8A1. The relationship is divided and parallel to the guide groove 8A1.

According to Fig. 9, the charging unit E is attached to the washing means holding frame portion 13 in the manner described below. First, the charging means holding frame portion 8A has a jogle (not shown) provided at one of the longitudinal ends of the charging means holding frame portion 8A of the side plates 13s of the cleaning means holding frame portion 13. It is located between the two side plates 13s in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B with being inserted into one hole 13s3. Then, the snap-fitting claw 13hl of the fastener 13h is inserted into the hole 13s2 of the other side plate 13s of the cleaning means holding frame portion 13. Then, the pin (not shown) is fitted into the hole at the same end of the charging means holding frame portion 8A through the hole 13s5 of the same side plate 13s as the side plate 13s having the hole 13s2, The pin 13h2 is coupled into the slot 13s of the side plate 13s4 parallel to the pin not shown above.

The process cartridge B is moved by the movement of the process cartridge B during mounting or detachment of the process cartridge B, thereby exposing or covering the transfer opening 13n. The drum shutter 18 is configured such that when the process cartridge B is outside the apparatus main assembly 14, the drum shutter 18 is in a closed state to protect the image transfer area of the photosensitive drum 7. According to Fig. 6, the drum shutter 18 is attached to the end of the arm 18a and the connecting member 18b and the connecting member 18b and the arm 18a are rotatable by the cleaning means holding frame portion 13. Supported. The arm 18a, the connecting member 18b, the drum shutter 18, and the cleaning means holding frame portion 13 together constitute a four-point quadri-joint mechanism. The drum shutter 18 is provided (not shown) with a lever 23 on which the base is fixed to a support point 18c on which the arm 18a is supported by the cleaning means holding frame portion 13. After contact with the fixed stopper, the process cartridge B is opened as it is further inserted into the apparatus main assembly 14 in the downward direction (the direction in which the lid 35 is sealed) in FIG. The drum shutter 18 is closed by the elasticity of the torsion coil spring 23a as the process cartridge B is withdrawn from the apparatus main assembly 14. The torsion coil spring 23a is fixed to the support point 18c so that the shutter arm 18a is continuously pressed in the clockwise direction (the direction in which the shutter is closed).

Next, the case where the process cartridge B is taken out from the apparatus main assembly 14 is described.

When the lid 35 is rotated upwardly about the support point 35a, the brackets 35b and 35c are in contact with the cleaning means holding frame portion 13 and a portion of the cartridge cover 15. Then, when the lid 35 is further rotated, the cylindrical guide 13a is ejected from the positioning guide groove (not shown) of the device main assembly 14 and simultaneously supported by the device main assembly 14. A portion of the lid 15 is separated upward from the fixed process cartridge support, not shown, of the apparatus main assembly 14. Then, after the lid 35 is fully opened, the process cartridge B is pulled upward in the right direction of FIG. When the process cartridge B is pulled in the above-described direction, the process cartridge B is ejected from the apparatus main assembly 14. With respect to the shutter 18, the process cartridge B is rotatably moved by the elasticity of the torsion coil spring 23a to cover the transfer opening 13n when it is moved upward in the apparatus main assembly 14.

Referring to Fig. 8, the helical gear 7n is provided at the longitudinal end of the photosensitive drum 7 rather than the longitudinal end of the helical drum gear 7b, which is transferred from the process cartridge B to the transfer roller ( 4) to transmit the driving force. When the process cartridge B is inserted into the apparatus main assembly 14, the helical gear 7n engages with a gear (not shown) provided on the apparatus main assembly side. The helical gear 7n and the gear not shown on the apparatus main assembly side share the same axis of rotation. The drum gear 7b and the helical gear 7n are opposite to the spiral direction. Therefore, the axial force applied to the gears 7b and 7n is in the same direction with respect to the photosensitive drum 7. In Fig. 1, the reference cord 9k denotes a helical gear attached to one of the longitudinal ends of the developing roller 9c. The helical gear 9h is engaged with the helical drum gear 7b described above, and the force for rotating the developing roller c is transmitted from the helical drum gear 7b to the helical gear 9k.

{Toner holding frame part}

Next, referring to Fig. 10, the toner holding frame portion 11 will be described in detail.

The toner holding frame portion is a one piece piece. Before the lid film plate 53 to which the sealing film 51 is attached is welded to the toner holding frame portion 11, the toner conveying member 9b is assembled into the toner holding frame portion 11 and the coupling 11e is provided. Is attached to the end of the toner conveying member 9b through the holes 11e1 from the outer surface of the holes 11cl (not shown in FIG. 10). The hole 11el is in one of the side plates of the toner holding frame portion 11 at the longitudinal end. The side plate having the holes 11el is provided with a circular hole 11d (Fig. 6), toner filled through the circular hole, and the hole 11el and the toner filling hole 11d are adjacent to each other. In addition, the toner holding frame portion 11 is provided with a hole 111 through which the toner is conveyed from the toner holding frame portion 11 to the developing means holding frame portion 12. The lid film plate 53 having the sealing film 51 is welded in such a manner as to block this hole 11i. Thus, the toner is filled through the toner filling hole 11d, and the toner filling hole 11d is then fitted with the toner cap 11f including the toner unit J. The toner cap 11f is formed of a soft material such as polyethylene or polypropylene, and is pressed into the toner filling hole 11d of the toner holding frame portion 11 that is not fitted. The toner unit J is welded to the developing means holding frame portion 12, which will be described below, and the arrangement of the cover film plate 53 by ultrasonic waves forms the developing unit D. As shown in FIG. In addition, the choice of the method of joining them is not limited to ultrasonic welding and may be combined by glue bonding, snap fitting or the like.

The toner conveying member 9b includes a crank 9bl formed of an iron rod or the like having a diameter of about 3 mm, and a slider 9b2 reciprocated by a crank pin of the crank 9bl. One of the bearing portions of the crank 9bl of the toner conveying member 9b fits into a hole in the inner surface, that is, a side opposite to the opening 11i of the end plate of the toner holding frame portion 11, and the other bearing portion It is fastened to the coupling 11e.

{Structure of engaging portion between toner holding frame portion and developing means holding frame portion}

2 and 10, an opening 11i is provided in a portion of the toner holding frame portion 11 coupled to the corresponding portion of the developing means holding frame portion 12, through which the toner is supplied with the toner holding frame. It is transmitted from the unit 11 into the developing means holding frame portion 12. The opening 11i is surrounded by the flange 11a having the flat surface 11k. The cover film plate 53 is welded to this flat surface 11k. Thus, the surface 11k of the flange 11a is provided with a ridge 11h for welding the lid film plate 53 to the toner holding frame portion 11. The ridge 11h extends in a manner surrounding the opening 11i.

Referring to Fig. 13, the shutter of the developing means holding frame portion 12, which engages with the corresponding surface of the toner holding frame portion 11, is composed of a generally flat surface 12u, the flat surface of the flat surface 12u. There is provided a pair of triangular ridges 12v extending along the longitudinal edge. In particular, longitudinal ridge 12v is located on flat surface 12ul, which flat surface 12ul rises slightly from the middle of flat surface 12u. Therefore, the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 to which the cover film plate 53 is welded are welded by ultrasonic along the longitudinal edge thereof, and the ridges of the developing means holding frame portion 12 are welded. 12v is pressed and held on the cover film plate 53.

Referring to Fig. 10, the cover film plate 53 welded to the toner holding frame portion is provided with two holes 53c, and the flange 11a of the toner holding frame portion 11 is provided with a hole 11c. . When the cover film plate 53 is attached to the surface 11k of the flange 11a, the hole 53c of the cover film plate 53 is aligned with the hole 11c of the flange 11a. In addition, the lid film plate 53 is provided with a hole 53b (smaller than the above-described hole 11i), and the hole corresponds to the hole 11i. This hole 53b is blocked by the sealing film attached to the lid film plate 53. The sealing film ruptures easily in its longitudinal direction. In particular, the sealing film is attached to the lid film plate 53 along the four surrounding edges of the holes 53b. In order to more easily expose the opening 53b, a portion of the sealing film 51 extends from the process cartridge B, and the sealing film 51 extends from one longitudinal end to the other end to cover the hole 53b. An elastic sealing member 54 (FIGS. 12 and 13) and a lid film 53 (FIG. 12 and 13) made long enough to be attached to the lid film plate 53 and overlaid back to the starting end and provided with a developing means holding frame portion 12 (FIG. It extends beyond the starting end to be exposed from the process cartridge B through the interface between 12). The elastic member 54 is formed of a material such as felt and attached to the developing means holding frame portion 12 on a flat surface located at one of the longitudinal ends of the developing means holding frame portion 12. This flat surface is the corresponding portion of the lid film plate 53 fixed to the toner holding frame portion 11. 12, a gap is shown between the sealing film 51 and the lid film plate 53 and between the sealing film 51 and the elastic sealing member 54 in order to more easily understand the configuration thereof. The elastic sealing member 54 presses the sealing film 51 on the lid film plate 53. Referring to Fig. 13, a tape 55 formed of a synthetic resin film having a low friction coefficient is attached to the inner side surface of the surface of the elastic sealing member 54. Further, the elastic sealing member 56 has a flat surface 12u located at the other longitudinal end of the lid film plate 53, that is, at the longitudinal end opposite to which the elastic sealing member 54 is attached (Figs. 12 and 13). ) Is attached.

In order to more easily align the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 at the time of engagement, the flange 11a of the toner holding frame portion 11 has a circular hole 11r and a square hole 11q. Is provided, and the cylindrical joggles 12wl and the square joggles 12w2 of the developing means holding frame portion 12 are fitted into the holes (Fig. 10). The joggle 12wl fits tightly in the circular hole 11r, while the joggle 12w2 fits loosely in the square hole 11q and allows a small amount of tolerance in the longitudinal direction. The sealing members 54 and 56 are attached to the flat surface 12u and extend beyond the ridge 12v in the width direction of the process cartridge B. As shown in FIG. In addition, the developing means holding frame portion 12 is provided with a pair of joggles 12f, which are formed by the above-described holes 53c of the lid film plate 53 and holes 11c of the toner holding frame portion 11. Loosely fits into). The sealing member 54 is penetrated by these joggles 12f.

The toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 are assembled into independent units before joining. Thereafter, the cylindrical positioning joggles 12wl and the square positioning joggles 12w2 of the developing means holding frame portion 12 are formed by the round positioning holes 11r and the square positioning holes (11r) of the toner holding frame portion 11. 11q), the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 are pressed against each other to cause the sealing members 54, 56 to be compressed. When the sealing members 54 and 56 are pressed, they are integrally formed portions of the developing means holding frame portion 12 and extend on a flat surface 12u along the longitudinal edges of the developing means holding frame portion 12. The pair of ridges 12v are in turn pressed on the surface of the lid film plate 53. The pair of jogs 12f described above are positioned across the path of the sealing member 51 and at a distance equal to the width of the sealing member 51 to adjust the sealing member 51 when the sealing member 51 is pulled. Are separated.

The toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 are pressed against each other, and ultrasonic vibration is applied between the triangular ridge 12v and the lid film plate 53. As a result, the triangular ridges 12v and the lid film plate 53 are welded to each other at their interfaces by frictional heat. Thus, the upper and lower edges of the developing means holding frame portion 12 are fastened to the corresponding portions of the lid film plate 53 and between the flat corresponding surface 12u of the developing means holding frame portion 12 and the lid film 53. To create a sealing space. The sealing member 51 is fitted in this space.

In order to release the toner stored in the toner holding frame portion 11 into the developing means holding frame portion 12, the operator has an end 51a of the sealing member 51 extending outward from the process cartridge B (FIG. 12). Must be pulled manually. When the end portion 51a is pulled out, the sealing member 51 is peeled off from the lid film plate 53 and the hole 53b (to transfer the toner from the toner holding frame portion 11 to the developing means holding frame portion 12 ( 11i).

Since the mutually opposing surfaces of the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 are constituted as described above, the sealing film 51 attached to the surface of the lid film plate 53 is a lid film in a drawing manner. By simply applying a force to the 51, it can be smoothly pulled out between the two frame portions 11, 12. In addition, the sealing member 51 is pulled through a path between the lid film plate 53 and the developing means holding frame portion 12, which is provided with the pair of jogs 12f described above. It is provided at a distance equal to the width of the sealing film 51 and disposed across the path. Thus, the sealing film 51 can be pulled in a straight line.

In the material for the toner holding frame portion 11, the developing means holding frame portion 12, and the cover film plate 53, for example, polystyrene, ABS resin (acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene copolymer), polycarbonite Plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyphenylene oxide and the like can be used.

Next, the developing means holding frame portion is described in detail.

{Developing means holding frame portion}

2, 11, and 13, the developing means holding frame portion 12 is described. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the developing means holding frame portion 12 showing how the developing means components are assembled into the developing means holding frame portion 12. As shown in FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of the developing means holding frame portion 12 that faces the toner holding frame portion 11.

The developing roller 9c, the developing blade 9d, the toner stirring member 9e, and the rod antenna 9h for detecting the residual amount of the toner are assembled into the developing means holding frame portion 12. As shown in FIG.

The developing blade 9d includes a metal plate 9d1 of approximately 1-2 mm thickness and a piece of urethane rubber 9d2 fixed to the metal plate 9d1 by use of high temperature melting, double-sided tape or the like. The developing blade controls the amount of toner coated on the developing roller 9c surface. The developing means holding frame portion 12 is provided with two blade fixing flat surfaces 12i as blade mountings. The flatness of this flat surface 12i is adjusted to approximately 0.05 mm. Each flat surface 12i is provided with a jog 12i1 and a female threaded hole 12i2. The two flat surfaces 12i are located one-to-one at the longitudinal ends of the developing means holding frame portion 12. On the left side of the developing means holding frame portion 12, the flat surface 12i, the protrusion 12i1, the hole 12i2 with the female thread, the right side the flat surface 12i, the protrusion 12i1, the hole with the female screw ( 12i2) are located symmetrically with each other. When assembling the developing unit D, the jog 12i1 is first fitted into the hole 9d3 of the metal plate 9d1. Thereafter, the metal plate 9d1 pushes the small screw (not shown) through the screw hole 9d4 of the metal plate 9d1 and tightens the small screw into the above-described hole 12i2 with the female thread. Is fixed to. The developing means holding frame portion 12 is provided with an elastic sealing portion 12s formed of moltopren or the like. The elastic sealing portion 12s passes through the developing means holding frame portion 12 along the longitudinal edge corresponding to the upper edge of the metal plate 9d1 to prevent the intrusion of toner. The elastic seal is pressed by the metal plate 9d1. In addition, the developing means holding frame part 12 is provided with two elastic sealing parts 12s1, and each elastic sealing part 12s1 is attached to the developing means holding frame part 12, It extends in the width direction of the developing means holding member from the corresponding longitudinal end to the cylindrical surface 12j, and the developing roller 9c is fitted along the elastic seal. At the bus bar of the developing roller 9c (FIG. 2), a thin elastic sealing portion 12s2 in contact with the developing roller 9c is attached to the jaw portion 12h of the developing means holding frame portion 12. As shown in FIG.

The metal plate 9d1 of the developing blade 9d is bent at 90 ° on one side of the longitudinal end while forming the end 9d1a. This portion 9d1a is in the same electric charge as the metal plate 9d1 and the developing roller 9c by contacting the developing bias contact 121 (Fig. 14) supported by the arm 19L described above. This arrangement is for the following reason. That is, the toner amount is determined by detecting a change in the capacitance between the toner amount detecting rod antenna 9h and the developing roller 9c, and therefore, the capacitance changes irregularly due to the influence from the metal plate 9d1. Should not be.

Next, the developing roller unit G is described. The developing roller unit G is (1) between the developing roller 9c having a sleeve flange 9a attached to one of the longitudinal ends, (2) the peripheral surface of the developing roller 9c and the photosensitive drum 7. Two space rings 9i, 3 for maintaining a constant distance are fitted to the portion of the sleeve flange 9a of smaller diameter than the developing roller 9c, and the other is fitted to the sleeve cap 9o. Partially form or form a space ring integrally with one of the two developing roller bearings 9j, (4) space ring 9i for accurate positioning of the developing roller 9c relative to the developing means holding frame portion 12; In combination with one of 9i, the end of the developing roller 9c to prevent electrical leakage that may occur between the cylindrical aluminum base A1 of the photosensitive drum 7 and the cylindrical aluminum portion of the developing roller 9c. Helical drum gear of the sleeve cap (9o), (5) photosensitive drum (7) fitted to one of the directional ends Developing roller gear 9 (helical gear) for rotating the developing roller 9c driven by 7b, (6) Fixed to the inner surface of the end of the developing roller 9c, and the actual contact portion [91] (e1) 1] or the arm portion is in the form of a leaf spring, and the elastic developing contacts 91 (e1) that slide on the disc-shaped electrodes (not shown) of the developing bias contact 121, (7) the developing roller 9c. And a magnet 9g positioned in the developing roller 9c so as to adhere the toner to the peripheral surface thereof. The developing roller unit G is attached to the developing roller mount of the developing means holding frame portion 12. In particular, each longitudinal end of the developing roller unit G has a rotation control protrusion 9j1 of each developing roller bearing 9j aligned with the recess 12p of the corresponding longitudinal end of the developing means holding frame portion 12. ) Is fitted into the rough semi-cylindrical portion 19a of the arms 19R (19L), and the arms 19R, 19L are fitted with the developing means holding frame portion (Fig. 5, Fig. 6) with the use of screws 12d (Fig. 5, Fig. 6). 12) is attached.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the developing roller 9c is attached to the developing means holding frame portion 12, the developing roller unit G is assembled first, and then the assembled developing roller unit G ) Is attached to the developing means holding frame portion 12 with the insertion of the arms 19R and 19L. This assembly process is used because the assembly efficiency is improved than the assembly process of directly attaching the developing roller 9c to the developing means holding frame portion 12.

In order to explain the process of assembling the developing roller unit G in more detail, first, the magnet 9g is inserted into the developing roller 9c, and the elastic developing contact 91 (e1) is fitted into the developing roller 9c. You lose. Thereafter, the sleeve cap 9o is fitted to one of the longitudinal ends of the developing roller 9c, and two space rings 9i are fitted to one around the longitudinal end of the developing roller 9c. Next, two developing roller bearings 9j for supporting the developing roller 9c are attached one-to-one to the longitudinal ends of the developing roller 9c, and the developing roller gear 9k has an outer surface of the bearing 9j. It is attached to one of the longitudinal ends of the image development roller 9c. In this stage of assembly, the axial portion 9g1 of the cylindrical magnet 9g, whose cross section is given in the form of D, protrudes from the longitudinal end of the developing roller 9c, to which the developing roller gear 9k is attached, The other axial portion 9g2 of the cylindrical magnet 9g is projected from the other longitudinal end of the developing roller 9c. These axial portions 9g1 and 9g2 in cross section are fitted into the D-shaped holes 19b cut off the arms 19R and 19L (the holes 19b of the arms 19L are not shown).

Next, the rod antenna 9h for detecting the residual amount of toner is described. Referring to Fig. 13, the rod antenna 9h is bent at the end assuming the shape of the crank. When the process cartridge B is mounted to the apparatus main assembly 14, the crank portion 9h1 is attached to the apparatus main assembly 14 while being electrically connected with the apparatus main assembly 14 (not shown). Unsuccessful). The developing means holding frame portion 12 is provided with grooves 12k and 12k1 having a v-shaped cross section and located at one of the longitudinal ends of the opening 12p. The grooves 12k and 12k1 are connected to each other, and the grooves 12k are L-shaped and face outward of the developing means holding frame portion 12. The rod antenna 9h is fitted into these grooves 12k and 12k1, and a plug (not shown) is fitted into the groove 19k of the V-shaped cross section by the addition of an adhesive so that the rod antenna 9h is inserted into the grooves 12k and 12k1. To be fixed. As is apparent from the above description, the rod antenna 9h is supported by the grooves 12k and 12k1 of the V-shaped cross section and is accurately positioned.

Next, the toner stirring member 9e is described. The toner stirring member 9e is in the form of a crank and agitates the toner by rotation. The member 9e is located in the toner path, through which the toner stored in the toner container 11A is moved to the developing roller 9c as well as the load antenna 9h and near the developing roller 9c.

First, one end of the toner stirring member 9e is inserted into the developing means holding frame portion 12 through a hole 12t provided in the side plate 12A of the developing means holding frame portion 12 located on the opposite side. The external contact 9h1 of the rod antenna 9h described above extends outward from the developing means holding frame portion 12. The diameter of the hole 12t is large enough so that the crank portion of the toner stirring member 9e is placed through the side plate 12A. Next, the end of the insert portion of the journal portion or the toner stirring member is the side of the developing means holding frame portion 12 positioned on the side opposite to the side on which the side plate 12A of the developing means holding frame portion 12 is located. It is placed through an unshown through hole provided in the plate 12B. Then, the not shown through hole of the side plate 12B is closed by melting the side plate 12B from the outer side of the side plate 13B or by tightening a small screw into the hole. After the stirring member 9e is inserted into the developing means holding frame portion 12 as described above, the stirring gear 9m (Fig. 16) is fitted through the hole 12t. While bonding the stirring gear 9m, the crank arm 9e12 of the toner stirring member 9e extends in the axial direction of the gear 9m while being located at the inner end of the gear 9m, as shown in FIG. It fits into the slit 9m1 of the gear 9m which becomes. In addition, the journal portion 9c1 of the toner stirring member 9e is fitted into the center hole of the gear 9m located at the inner end of the slit 9m1, and the toner stirring member 9e is provided by the developing means holding frame portion 12. ). External disassembly of the stirring gear 9m from the developing means holding frame portion 12 causes the flat portion 19c of the arm 19R to overlap the stirring gear 9m with respect to the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B. By positioning it.

When the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 are combined, the above-described toner stirring member 9e is inserted from the side plate 12A of the developing means holding frame portion 12 on the side surface toner toner. It extends past the side plate of the holding frame portion 11 and covers the toner cap pressed by the toner holding frame portion 11. A hole 12x is provided in the side plate 12A, and the output of the gear box 9q for transmitting the toner conveying gear 9s, that is, the driving force to the toner conveying member 9b and the toner stirring member 9e, is provided in the side plate 12A. The gear is fitted with a certain amount of play (Fig. 11). The toner conveyance gear 9s engaged with the coupling portion 11e (Fig. 10), which is attached to one of the ends of the toner conveyance member 9b, has a toner retaining frame portion for transmitting a driving force to the toner conveying member 9b. It is rotatably supported by 11. The gear box 9q snaps the arm 9q1 provided with a hook extending toward the side plate 12A into the hole 12Aa of the side plate 12A so that the side plate 12A of the developing means holding frame portion 12 is provided. Is attached to.

Next, the transmission of the driving force will be described.

The input gear 9n rotatably supported by the gear box 9q is matched with the developing roller gear 9k so that driving force is transmitted from the developing roller 9k to the input gear 9n. The stirring gear 9m matches the output gear 9r, that is, the other gears of the gear box 9q. When the developing roller gear 9k rotates under the driving force from the drum gear 7b matched with the developing roller gear 9K, the input gear 9n rotates, thereby being connected to the input gear 9n via the gear train. The toner conveyance gear 9s is rotated. As a result, the driving force is transmitted to the toner conveying member 9b. In addition, the output gear 9r rotates the toner stirring gear 9m, and as a result, the toner stirring member 9e rotates.

The downward facing face of the beveled portion 12h of the developing means holding frame portion 12 serves a double role as a conveyance guide portion for the recording medium 2 such as one sheet of paper. Moreover, to increase the strength of the developing means holding frame portion 12, the developing means holding frame portion 12 is provided with a plurality of ribs (not shown).

Referring to Fig. 13, reference numeral 12P denotes a hole extending in the longitudinal direction of the developing means holding frame portion 12. As shown in Figs. The hole 12P is formed by the hole 11i and the cover thin plate 53 of the toner holding frame portion 1 after the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 are engaged with the inserts of the cover thin plate 53. Line hole 53b). Thus, when the toner seal is removed, the toner stored in the toner holding frame portion 11 can be supplied to the developing roller 9c. The toner stirring member 9e and the rod antenna 9h described above extend from one end of the hole 12P to the other end.

In this embodiment, the developing roller mount of the field means holding frame portion 12, the side plate 12A (gear box 9q) mount, the developing blade mount [blade mounting plane 12i], the antenna 9h. The mounting table, the toner stirring member mounting table, and the like are formed as an integral part of the developing means holding frame portion 12. The material of the developing means holding frame portion 12 is the same as the material of the toner holding frame portion 11 described above.

{Arm}

Next, the arms 19R and 19L will be described.

5, 6, 11 and 22, the arm of the process cartridge B will be described. 11 is a perspective view of the inward side of the arm 19R to be attached to the developing means holding frame portion 12 on the side on which the process cartridge B is driven (hereinafter referred to as " driven side ") and opposed to the driven side. On the side (hereinafter referred to as " undriven side "), a perspective view of the inward side of the arm 19L to be attached to the developing means holding frame portion 12 is given.

First, various elements of the developing roller unit G in the state shown in Fig. 11 are assembled into the developing roller unit G. Next, the arms 9R and 19L are attached to the developing means holding frame portion 12 in such a manner as to interpose the developing roller unit G assembled from the left and right end portions of the developing roller unit G to develop the developing unit D. To complete. More specifically, during the assembling process of the developing unit D, first, the protrusion 9j1 of each bearing portion 9j is in such a manner that the peripheral surface of the developing roller 9c is supported by the two sealing portions 12s1. It fits into the recess 12p, and the nearly semi-cylindrical portion 19a of the arms 19R and 19L fits into the corresponding semi-cylindrical surface 12j of the developing means holding frame portion 12. As shown in FIG. As a result, the peripheral surface of each bearing portion 9j is fitted to the corresponding nearly semi-cylindrical portion 19a. As a result, the two bearings 9j are supported by the developing means holding frame portion 12 one by one with the inserts of the arms 19R and 19L. The developing bias contact portion 121 is attached to the arm 19L by snap fitting. Each of the arms 19R and 19L has a jog portion 12g and a projection 12c of the developing means holding frame portion 12 fitted into the holes 19c1 and the slot 19c2 of the flat portion 19c of the corresponding arm. It is fastened to the developing means holding frame portion 12 by being tightened by a small screw 12d (Fig. 5).

The arm 19L is fitted to the developing bias contact 121. More specifically, the jog portion provided on the arm 19L on the back side with respect to FIG. 11 is pressed into the slot of the contact portion 121.

When the process cartridge B is properly mounted to the apparatus main assembly 14, the external contact 121c of the developing bias contact 121 contacts the developing contact, not shown, of the apparatus main assembly 14 and the developing roller 9c. Accepts the developing bias from the device main assembly 14 to be applied. After being received from the apparatus main assembly 14, the developing bias is applied to the developing roller 9c through the developing bias contact 121 and the elastic developing contact 91 (e1).

Also, when the process cartridge B is properly mounted to the apparatus main assembly 14, the toner sensing contact 122 and the external contact 9h1 are connected to the unshown toner sensing contact and the apparatus main assembly of the apparatus main assembly 14. Each of the other unshown contacts of 14 is in electrical contact. Therefore, the electrical signal generated in response to the change in capacitance in response to the change in the amount of toner between the developing roller 9c and the load antenna 9h is transferred from the load antenna 9h to the unshown contact portion of the apparatus main assembly 14. Is passed to. When the controller (not shown) detects that the electric signal value has reached a predetermined value, the process cartridge B is marked as needing to be replaced.

{Electrical contact structure}

Next, referring to Figs. 5, 6 and 9, the electrical contacts on the process cartridge side electrically connected to the process cartridge B and the apparatus main assembly 14 are located in contact with each other and in detail where they are located. Let's explain.

As shown in the figure, the process cartridge B is provided with a plurality of (four) electrical contacts as follows. That is, (1) one of the two electrically conductive ground contacts 119 (two cylindrical guides 13a) electrically connected to the photosensitive drum 7 for grounding the photosensitive drum 7 through the apparatus main assembly 14 Doubles as contact 119], (2) an electrically conductive charge bias contact electrically connected to the charge roller shaft 8a for applying a charge bias from the device main assembly 14 to the charge roller 8; (120), (3) Electrically conductive developing bias contacts 121 and (4) toner remaining electrically connected to the developing roller 9c for applying a developing bias from the apparatus main assembly 14 to the charging roller 9c. The amount sensing contact portion 9h1, that is, the outer contact portion 9h1 of the rod antenna 9h for detecting the remaining amount of toner. These four contacts are positioned in such a way that they are exposed from the side wall (left) of the cartridge frame while maintaining an appropriate distance between them to prevent electrical leakage between them. In addition, as described above, the ground contact portion 119 and the charge bias contact portion 120 belong to the cleaning means holding frame portion 13, and the developing bias contact portion 121 and the toner remaining amount detection contact portion 9h1 are the developing means. It belongs to the holding frame part 12 (more specifically, arm 19L). Moreover, the toner remaining amount sensing contact 9h1 serves as a process cartridge sensing contact so that the apparatus main assembly 14 can detect whether the process cartridge B is in the apparatus main assembly 14.

The electrical conductivity of the ground contact 119 is electrically used as the material for the drum shaft 7a of the photosensitive drum 7 to the drum shaft 7a by using an electrically conductive material or by insert molding during the molding of the drum shaft 7a. It is realized by inserting a conductive member. In the present embodiment, the drum shaft 7a is made of a metal material such as iron. The other contacts 120, 121 consist of a plate of electrically conductive material (e.g. stainless steel, phosphor bronze, etc.) about 0.1-0.3 mm thick and extend entangled from inward to outward of the process cartridge B. The charging bias contact portion 120 is positioned on the undriven side so as to be exposed from the side plate of the cleaning unit C, while the developing bias contact portion 121 and the toner remaining amount sensing contact portion 9h1 are developed on the undriven side. Position so as to be exposed from the side plate.

The charging bias contact portion 120 is arranged vertically and horizontally with respect to the ground contact portion 119 and ends of the arm 8A2 integral with the charging means holding frame portion 8A supporting the charging roller 8 (Fig. 5). Is attached to. The charge bias contact portion 120 is in electrical contact with the charge roller 18 through an electrically conductive member in contact with the charge roller shaft 8a.

The rod antenna 9h is positioned to extend along the developing roller 9c over the whole of the developing roller 9c while maintaining a predetermined distance from the developing roller 9c. The electrostatic capacitance between the load antenna 9h and the developing roller 9c changes in response to the amount of toner between the two elements. Thus, such a change in capacitance is sensed by a change in potential by a control unit (not shown) of the apparatus main assembly 14 to detect the remaining amount of toner.

The toner remaining amount means the amount of toner between the developing roller 9c and the rod antenna 9h and generates a specific amount of capacitance. Therefore, by detecting the capacitance between the developing roller 9c and the rod antenna 9h, it is possible to detect that the toner remaining amount in the toner container 11A is reduced to a specific amount. More specifically, the decrease in the amount of toner remaining in the toner container 11A to a predetermined amount is controlled by the control unit of the apparatus main assembly 14 by detecting that the capacitance is reduced to the first predetermined value through the toner sensing contact portion 120. Is determined. Upon detecting that the capacitance has reached the aforementioned first predetermined value, the device main assembly 14 issues a replacement alarm (e.g., flashing of a lamp or sound generation by a buzzer, etc.) to the process cartridge. Further, the control part senses that the process cartridge B is mounted into the apparatus main assembly 14 by sensing a predetermined second value which is smaller than the above-mentioned predetermined value indicating the predetermined toner remaining amount. If the control unit does not detect that the process cartridge B is mounted to the apparatus main assembly 14, it does not allow the apparatus main assembly 14 to start an image forming operation. Incidentally, the control unit may be configured to issue a no carriage alarm (eg, lamp flashing, etc.) in such a case.

{Housing structure}

As described above, the housing of the process cartridge B of this embodiment includes a combined combination of the toner holding frame portion 11, the developing means holding frame portion 12, and the cleaning means holding frame portion 13. Next, the structure of the housing will be described.

Referring to Fig. 2, the toner holding frame portion 11 includes a toner container 11A, and a toner conveying member 9b is attached to the toner holding frame portion 11. The developing roller 9c and the developing blade 9d are attached to the developing means holding frame portion 12. In addition, a toner stirring member 9e positioned adjacent to the developing roller 9c to rotate the toner inside the developing chamber is rotatably attached to the developing means holding frame portion 12. The toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 are welded to each other to form a single frame portion for the developing unit D (Fig. 8).

The photosensitive drum 7, the charging roller 8, and various components of the cleaning means are attached to the cleaning means holding frame portion 13. In addition, a drum shutter 18 (FIG. 5) covering to protect the photosensitive drum 7 when the process cartridge B is outside the apparatus main assembly 14 is attached to the cleaning means holding frame portion 13. As shown in FIG. These constitute the washing means unit C with each other (FIG. 8).

The developing unit D and the cleaning unit C are combined to form a process cartridge B. FIG. With regard to the method for joining these two units, firstly the rotating shaft 20R of the developing unit D is fitted in the slot 21R of the cleaning unit C, and at the same time the flat portions of the arms 19R, 19L. 19R1 and 19L1 are fitted with the inner surfaces of the corresponding side plates 13s of the cleaning unit C. Then, the end of the connecting pin 22 fitted into the hole 13s4 of the side plates 13s slides into the hole 20L of the arm 19L.

Next, referring to FIG. 5, the outward protrusions formed at one end of the tension coil spring 24b integrally with the spring anchor 13y, that is, the cleaning means holding frame portion 13, and the spring anchors 19z, that is, the arms ( 19L) is attached one by one to the outwardly formed protrusions.

Next, referring to Fig. 6, an outward protrusion and integrally formed with the spring anchor 12z, that is, the side plate 12A on the downstream side in the process cartridge mounting direction, and the cleaning means holding frame portion ( It is fixed between the spring anchors 13z protruding longitudinally from the bottom wall of 13). By providing the apparatus of the above-described structure, the photosensitive drum 7 and the spacer rings 9i fitted around the longitudinal ends of the developing roller 9c are pressed against each other and held against each other about the pivot axis SC. Is pivoted about.

The interlocking drum gear 7b and the helical gear 9k of the developing roller 9c are attached to the ends of the photosensitive drum 7 and the developing roller 9c, respectively. Therefore, the developing roller 9c is rotationally driven by the photosensitive drum 7. The rotary shaft 20R located at the engaging portion is angled by a transverse line of action between the interlocking gears of the photosensitive drum 7 and the developing roller 9c and the pitch between the two gears and the pivot axis SC. The line connecting the points is positioned to fall on the entry surface. Therefore, a rotation moment is generated on the developing unit D by the rotation of the developing roller 9c, and as a result, the spacer rings 9i fitted around the developing roller 9c are moved by the developing roller 9c. 7) is pressed onto the bed.

In other words, in the case of the process cartridge B described above, the spacer rings 9i of the developing roller 9c are self-weighting of the developing unit D, elasticity of the tension coil springs 24a, 24b, and a photosensitive drum 7. ) And pressurized onto the photosensitive drum 7 by the rotational driving of the gears of the developing roller 9c, so that the gap between the photosensitive drum 7 and the developing roller 9c is always constant to ensure excellent image quality. Is maintained at about 300 μm in this embodiment.

{Disassembly and Assembly of Process Cartridges}

When the toner inside the toner container 11A of the process cartridge B is used up, the process cartridge B is recovered and disassembled in the following manner. Therefore, there is no sealing film 51 in the process cartridge B for disassembly and assembly. The sealing film 51 was removed.

{Separation of washing unit C and developing unit D}

Before separating the cleaning unit C and the developing unit D from each other, the cartridge cover 15 is removed.

First, the process cartridge B to be disassembled and set is set in an air duct (not shown). Then, toner particles and dust adhered to the surface of the process cartridge B are removed by blowing air onto the process cartridge B.

Next, as shown in Figs. 3, 5, and 6, the circular holes of the cleaning means holding frame portion 13 are inserted through the holes 15b of the left and right plates 15a of the cartridge cover 15. The small screws 15d that were screwed into the 13e) were removed using a screwdriver, and the pins 15e that were inserted through the holes 15c of the same side plates 15a and inserted into the elongated holes 13f. It is pulled out using a pliers. Next, the cartridge lid 15 is pulled out while separating the hook 15g outward from the cleaning means holding frame portion 13 using the fingertip. Since the cartridge cover 15 is pulled up as described above, it is pulled out of the joining portion of the cleaning unit C and the developing unit D. In addition, since the head portion of each pin 15e is formed like a flange with a central recess, the pin 15e can be removed by twisting and holding this flanged portion, for example using a radio pliers. . The pin 15e is formed of resin, and the end thereof has a catch. However, the flanged portion gripped by this catch and the radio pliers are fragile, so the old pins 15e are replaced with new ones. In the following, a process of separating the process cartridge B into the washing unit C and the developing unit D is described.

First, the tension coil springs 24a and 24b provided to press the photosensitive drum 7 and the developing roller 9c against each other as shown in Figs. 5 and 6 are removed. In particular, the tension coil spring 22a is separated from the spring anchors 12z and 13z of each of the developing means holding frame portion 12 and the cleaning means holding frame portion 13. The tension coil spring 22b is separated from the spring anchors 19z and 13y of each of the arm 19L and the cleaning means holding frame portion 13. The removed tension coil springs 24a, 24b are tested and used for disassembly if they meet certain criteria.

Next, the rotating shaft 20R protruding outward from the arm 19R is lifted out of the U-shaped slot 21R of the cleaning unit C shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Then, the developing unit D is separated from the connecting pin 22 by moving the cleaning unit C and the developing unit D in the longitudinal direction with respect to each other. It should be mentioned here that the cleaning unit C and the developing unit D can be separated by pulling out the connecting pin 22 using a radio pliers or the like.

The steps described above complete the process for separating the first and second units of the process cartridge B which are removably mounted in the apparatus main assembly 14. As described above, the first unit is a cleaning unit C for supporting the photosensitive drum 7, and the second unit is a developing means holding frame portion 12 and a developing roller 9c for supporting the developing roller 9c. Toner holding frame portion 11 having toner container 11A, which is a developer holding portion for storing toner, which is a developer used for development. Moreover, the first and second units are connected in a pivotable manner with respect to each other.

{Disassembly and development of the development unit}

Before explaining disassembly and assembly of the developing unit D, the conventional structure of the developing unit D in the state before disassembly will be described with reference to Figs. As already explained, the developing roller 9c is rotatably supported by the roller bearing 9j. In particular, the sleeve flange 9a fitted in one end of the developing roller 9c is rotatably supported by the developer roller bearing 9jR, that is, one of the two developer roller bearings 9j, and the developing roller ( The sleeve cap 9o fitted over the other end of 9c is rotatably supported by the developer roller bearing 9jL or the other of the two developer roller bearings 9j. The developing blade 9d is attached to the developing means holding frame portion 12 along the upper edge of the hole 12P of the developing means holding frame portion 12. The arms 19R, 19L are fixed to the longitudinal ends of the developing means holding frame portion 12 by using screws 12d, and project one by one from the ends of the magnet 9g located inside the developing roller 9c. The ends of the partially flat cylinder shafts 9g1 and 9g2 are fitted one by one into the partially flat cylindrical shaped holes 19b (Fig. 11) of the arms 19R and 19L. In short, the developing roller 9c is rotatably supported by the developing roller bearings 9jR, 9jL, and the ends of the partially flat cylinder shafts 9g1, 9g2 of the magnet 9g are accurately positioned so that the arm 19R, 19L).

{Steps to Remove Developing Roller and Developing Blade}

In order to separate the arms 19R and 19L, the small screws 12d which have been screwed into the developing means holding frame portion 12 must be removed. After these screws 12d fit the positioning dowel pin 12g and the positioning projection 12e (Fig. 11) of the developing means holding frame portion 12 into the positioning hole 19c1 and the slot 12c2, the arm Through the holes 19c3 (FIG. 11) of (19R, 19L). After removing the small screws 12d, the arms 19R and 19L are separated from the side wall of the developing unit D. As previously described, the actual arm portion 19R1 of the arm 19R is a rotating shaft 20R, ie arm 19R, for joining the developing means holding frame portion 12 and the washing means holding frame portion 13. ) And integrally molded parts. In order to separate the gear box 9g from the side plate 12A of the developing means holding frame 12, the arms 9q1 protruding through the holes 12Aa of the side plate 12A, that is, the snap engagement hooks have the side plate 12A ) And the toner holding frame portion 11 are bent by inserting a radio pliers or the like, and the gear box 9q then pulls the gear box 9q outwardly in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B so that the side plate 12A is opened. Is separated from.

The arms 19R, 19L are separated from the developing means holding frame portion 12, and the partially flat cylinder shafts 9g1, 9g2, ie the longitudinal ends of the magnet 9g, are separated from the arms 19R, 19L. do. Thereafter, the shape roller unit G is removed from the developing means holding frame portion 12 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the developing roller 9c. During the removal of the developing roller unit G, the developing roller bearings 9gR and 9jL are removed together with the developing roller unit G. Next, it is not shown that the screw was inserted through the screw holes 9d4 of the developing blade 9d so as to be firmly screwed into the hole 12i2 by female threads in the flat blade mounting portion 12i of the developing means holding frame portion 12. Screws are removed. Then, developing in the direction of separating the left and right positioning dowel pins 12i1 provided on the flat blade mounting portion 12i of the developing means holding frame portion 12 from the positioning holes 9d3 of the developing blade 9d. The developing blade 9d is removed from the means holding frame portion 12.

If the sealing film 51 is repaired during disassembly of the regenerated process cartridge B, the disassembled process cartridge B will become like a new process cartridge. However, in this embodiment, the sealing film 51 is not repaired. There is no need to replace the old sealing film 51 with a new one because only the airtight enough to prevent the recycled process cartridge from leaking from the process cartridge is necessary.

Next, a method of making the developing unit airtight so as to sufficiently prevent the toner from leaking from the developing unit without replacing the sealing film 51 will be described.

{Method for Hermetically Sealing Between Developing Unit and Developing Means Holding Frame Part}

The toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 are joined to each other with the lid film plate 53 positioned therebetween. Therefore, the toner does not leak while the hole 11i of the toner holding frame portion 11 is still sealed with the sealing film 51. Since the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 remain coupled to each other during the disassembly inspection, sealing the holes 11i of the toner holding frame portion 11 with a new sealing film 51 is not necessary. impossible.

Thus, a method for hermetically sealing the developing unit during the overhaul of the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 for reuse will be described. At this time, the sealing of the engaging portion between the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 will be described.

Referring to Fig. 10, a ridge 11h is provided on the flat surface 11k of the flange 11a of the toner holding frame portion 11 to extend and surround the hole 11i. Since the ridge 11h and the lid film 53 are welded to each other, the toner does not leak outward from between the toner holding frame portion 11 and the lid film 53.

In the case of the interface between the cover film plate 53 and the developing means holding frame portion 12, the toner cartridge 53 is formed by welding the triangular ridge 12v and the cover film plate 53 of the developing means holding frame portion 12 (Fig. 13). Does not leak outwardly between the upper and lower edges, i.e., the longitudinal edges of the lid film 53 and the upper and lower edges, i.e., the longitudinal edges of the developing means holding frame portion 12.

The end of the cover membrane plate 53 is in contact with the flexible seals 54 and 56 bonded one-to-one with the developing means holding frame portion 12. The flexible seals 54 and 56 are formed of a flexible material such as felt and remain pressed on the cover membrane plate 53. Thus, the toner does not leak even while the process cartridge B is attached to or detached from the apparatus main assembly 14. However, toner may leak if the process cartridge B is subjected to some form of shock during process cartridge transport. Therefore, this possibility must also be eliminated.

{Sealing of the engaging portion between the right end of the toner holding frame portion and the developing means holding frame portion}

The gear box 9q is attached to the right wall of the developing means holding frame portion 12 and the toner holding frame portion 11. If the gear box 9q is detached from the developing means holding frame portion 12, it is possible to seal the engagement portion between the developing means holding frame portion 12 and the right end of the toner holding frame portion 11. This sealing operation is possible while the developing roller unit G is attached to the developing means holding frame portion 12. However, since the adhesive sealant is used, it is preferable to perform the operation after removal of the developing roller unit G and the developing blade 9d.

Referring to Fig. 15, a lower flange 11g is provided below the toner holding frame portion 11, which is an integrally formed portion of the toner holding frame portion 11 and the end of the toner holding frame portion 11 is closed. Extend outwardly. This bottom flange 11g is perpendicular to the flange 11a of the toner holding frame portion 11, that is, the flange on the front side, and is also perpendicular to the side plate 11As of the toner holding frame portion 11. The lower flange 11g of the toner holding frame portion 11 and the triangular lower flange 12A2, that is, the integral part of the lower portion of the side plate 12A of the developing means holding frame portion 12 are parallel to each other and the two flanges 11g, 12A2 There is a gap g1 or a first gap therebetween, and is open outwardly between the edge of the lower flange 12A2 of the developing means holding frame portion 12 and the lower flange 11g of the toner holding frame portion 11. .

Referring to Fig. 18, another gap g2 or second gap between the edge 11g1 of the lower flange 11g of the toner holding frame portion 11 and the flat surface 12u1 of the developing means holding frame portion 12 is shown. There is this. The gaps g1 and g2 are continuous. The portion of the gap g1 indicated by reference numeral g1a in FIG. 15 is connected to the portion of the gap g2 indicated by reference numeral g2a in FIG. These gaps g1 and g2 are connected with gaps 3g (Fig. 19) located adjacent to the outward surface of the lower part of the lid membrane plate 53 to which the lid membrane plates are bonded.

Referring to Fig. 16, with respect to the engaging portion between the upper right side portion of the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12, the flange 11a of the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame The flat surface 12u1 of the part 12 is welded to each other except the area around the jog 12w2. In this area, there is a gap between the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 having a thickness equal to the thickness of the lid film plate 53. The area between this area and the hole 12P is sealed with the flexible seal 56. If the toner escapes from the hole 12P and moves past the flexible sealing body 56, the flat surface 11k of the toner holding frame portion 11 and the flat surface 12u1 of the developing means holding frame portion 12 are moved. There is a possibility that the above-described gap can escape from the process cartridge B through the vicinity of the jog 12w2 therein.

At this time, the gap between the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 in the vicinity of the jog 12w2 will be described in detail.

Referring to Fig. 19, the flange 11a of the toner holding frame portion 11 outwards in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B over the side plate 11As of the toner holding frame portion 11 having the toner container 11A. Extend. A rib 11a1 is provided in the outwardly extending portion of the flange 11a, which is an integral part of the toner holding frame portion 11. The rib 11a1 is in the form of a single step step, and a portion of the rib 11a1 similar to the bottom of the step is continuous from the top plate 11Ac of the toner holding frame portion 11. The portion 11a2 of the rib 11a1 similar to the upright portion of the single step extends vertically to maintain the gap 3 from the upper corner of the side plate 12A of the developing means holding frame portion 12. The portion 11a2 of the rib 11a1, which is a portion similar to the upper portion of the single stage, extends parallel to the triangular upper flange 12A4, which is a part of the upper portion of the side plate 12A of the developing means holding frame portion 12, with a gap ( maintain g4). Further, there is a gap g5 between the flange 11a of the toner holding frame portion 11 and the flat surface 12u1 of the developing means holding frame portion 12 in the region immediately around the jog 12w2.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the same part of the process cartridge B shown in FIG. 19 as viewed in the opposite direction. The flange 12u2 of the developing means holding frame portion 12 on the flat surface 12u1 on which the joggle 12w2 is provided is perpendicular to the triangular upper flange 12A4 shown in FIG. The aforementioned gap g5 extends outward along the edge of the flange 12u2 surrounding the jog 12w2. The gap g5 is almost the same thickness as the thickness of the lid membrane plate 53. There is a gap g6 between the jog 12w2 and the wall of the elongated hole 11q of the toner holding frame portion 11. This gap g6 is directly connected to the gap g5.

Referring to Fig. 21, the side plate 12A of the developing means holding frame portion 12 is located at one of the end portions of the process cartridge B and the front side of the hole 12P of the developing means holding frame portion 12. Extending rearward at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B shown. As the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 are coupled to each other, the edge of the flange 11a is almost in contact with the base of the side plate 12A of the drum flange portion 12, so that the straight gap is present. (g7). The gap g7 extends along the flexible seal 56 (FIG. 13) adhered to the developing means holding frame portion 12. As shown in FIG. It is connected to the lower gap g1 described earlier.

The above-mentioned gaps g1 to g7 opened outward at the engaging portion between the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 are joined to each other. In particular, the gaps g1, g2 are connected to each other, and the gaps g3, g4, g5, g6 are connected along themselves. In addition, one end of the gap g7 is connected to the gap g2, and the other end is connected to the gap g3. The gaps g1 to g7 are sealed at their outward openings using sealers SB. The state of the sealed portion of the process cartridge B is shown in Figs. 22-25. The sealer SB used for this purpose is a sealer, which is a fluid having a viscosity high enough to be coated to seal the gaps g1 to g7. In fact, the gaps g1 to g7 are sealed with a plurality of sealers SB with different fluidity. Sealers with different fluidity are selected by the size of the area where the sealer is applied, the size of the area where the sealer is applied, or similar factors.

When sealing the bent portion of the developing means holding frame portion 12 (developing roller holding frame portion) at the portion of the engaging portion corresponding to the corner, or the end thereof, a higher fluidity sealer is used. The bent portion of the developing means holding frame portion 12 means that the side plate 12A meets the flat surface 12u at the end of the developing means holding frame portion 12. At each bent portion of the developing means holding frame portion 12, the short edge of the toner holding frame portion 11, that is, the edge perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B, is the inward surface of the bent portion of the developing means holding frame portion 12. It is located in almost contact with. This part of the coupling is where the gap g7 (Fig. 21) is opened outward as already explained. The reason for using the sealer with high fluidity is that the gap between the side plate 11As1 of the toner holding frame portion 11 and the side plate 12A of the developing means holding frame portion 12, that is, the gap g7 is coated. This is because the nozzle is too narrow to be inserted, and therefore the sealer has to flow from the end thereof into the gap g7 with the gap g7 tilted. In terms of fluidity, with respect to the sealer's criterion appropriate for the description given above, its viscosity is preferably about 25 poise (g / cm · s).

When sealing the other gaps g1 to g6 between the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12, a low fluidity sealer SB is used. The criterion that the sealer is considered to be low in fluidity is the viscosity of the sealer that does not leak due to its own weight even if any gaps g1 to g6 to which the sealer is applied are positioned vertically immediately after application.

Where the sealer is applied is the portion of the coupling portion between the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 to which the frame portions 11 and 12 are welded to each other. Thus, after the sealing of the gaps g1 to g7, the sealers applied to all the gaps g1 to g7 are continuous.

The portion of the coupling portion between the toner holding frame portions 11 and 12 to which the frame portions 11 and 12 are welded to each other is a flange of the flange 11a of the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12. The portion 12u2 is a portion of the engaging portion between the toner holding frame portions 11 and 12 right next to the right end of the triangular ridge 12v overlapping each other. All that is necessary for complete sealing between the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means frame portion 12 is necessary for sealing in a straight line between the corresponding ends of the two triangular ridges 12v. However, this is not possible because the area connecting between the corresponding ends of the two triangular ridges 12v is on the inward side of the process cartridge B. FIG.

The sealer SB is coated using a coating apparatus. The coating apparatus may be a manual dispenser or may be an automatic coating apparatus having a robotic arm that causes the coating nozzle to follow a predetermined passage.

The sealer (SB) is a curable polymer or thermoplastic polymer. Examples of curable polymers are siliconized adhesives, and examples of thermoplastic polymers are hot melt plastics.

The engagement portion between the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 in which the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 are not welded to each other is the other end of the process cartridge B. FIG. And the gap between the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 at this end must be sealed. As shown in Fig. 31, at the end, the developing means holding frame portion 12 is the membrane cover plate 53 and the cover membrane plate 53 of Fig. 31 only between the upper edge and the lower edge of the developing means holding frame portion 12. Welded to the exposed part of the surface. In other words, the developing means holding frame portion 12 and the covering membrane plate are not welded to each other over the area between the upper and lower edges of the process cartridge B, but instead the developing means holding frame portion 12 and the covering membrane plate. The gap between 53, that is, the gap g8, is sealed with an elastic seal 54 (Fig. 13). This elastic seal 54 is formed of an elastic material such as felt so that the toner in the process cartridge B is formed between the elastic seal 54, i.e., the felt on the one hand and the surface of the toner holding frame portion 11. It can leak through the interface. In view of this possibility, the sealer SB8 is applied to the opening of the gap g8. The detailed description of the method of applying the sealer SB8 is the same as that relating to the sealing of the gap between the toner holding frame portion 11 and the other end portions of the developing means holding frame portion, and the sealer SB8 is shown in FIG. Is applied to the gap g8 shown in FIG.

As shown in Figs. 15 and 16, the sealer SB1 is placed on the flange portion 11g of the toner holding frame portion 11 and the bottom flange portion 12A2 of the side plate 12A of the developing means holding frame portion 12. After being applied to the gap g1 between them, the sealer SB1 becomes as shown in FIG.

As shown in Fig. 18, the sealer SB2 is placed between the edge 11g1 of the bottom flange 11g of the toner holding frame portion 11 and the flat surface 12u1 of the developing means holding frame portion 12 ( After being applied to g2), the sealer SB2 becomes as shown in FIG. Sealer SB2 is continuous with sealer SB1. The sealer SB2 was applied over the opening of the gap g2 to which the cover membrane plate 53 is exposed.

As shown in Fig. 19, the sealer SB3 is the base of the stepped portion 11a2 and the upper flange portion 12A3 of the end portion of the toner holding frame portion 11, that is, the side plate of the developing means holding frame portion 12 ( After being applied to the gap g3 between the curved portions at the top of 12A), the sealer SB3 becomes as shown in FIG.

As shown in Fig. 19, the sealer SB4 has a flange 11a and a rib 11a1 of the continuous toner holding frame portion 11 and an upper flange portion of the side plate 12A of the developing means holding frame portion 12. After being applied to the gap g4 between 12A4, the sealer SB4 becomes as shown in FIG.

As shown in Figs. 19 and 29, the sealer SB5 has an upper surface of an end portion of the flange 11a of the toner holding frame portion 11 and a flat surface of the flange portion 12u2 of the developing means holding frame portion 12. After being applied to the gap g5 between 12u1, the sealer SB5 becomes as shown in Figs.

As shown in Fig. 19, after the sealer SB6 is applied to the gap g6 between the inner surface of the elongated hole 11g of the toner holding frame portion 11 and the side wall of the jog 12w2, the sealer ( SB6) becomes as shown in FIG.

Since the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 are coupled to each other, the gap g7 shown in Fig. 21 is formed by the toner holding frame portion (located at the end of the toner holding frame portion 11). It is formed between the vertical edge of the flange 11a of 11 and the base part of the curved part 12A1, ie, the side plate 12A of the developing means holding frame part 12. As shown in FIG. The opening of the gap g7 looks like a groove and is filled with the sealer SB7 as shown in FIG. The opening of the gap g7 is about 1 mm in width, and the opening of the gap g7 is filled with a sealer SB7 that seals the gap g7. After the sealer SB7 is applied, the sealer SB7 becomes continuous with the sealers SB2 and SB3. An example of a sealer SB7 is a siliconized bond that is high fluidity, ie low viscosity. This is because it is difficult to place the sealer coating nozzle into the gap g7 through which the sealer SB7 should be applied.

After applying the sealers SB1, SB2-SB7, -SB3, SB4, SB5 and SB6, the sealers become continuous. Therefore, leakage of the toner from between the sealing body 56 and the cover membrane plate 53 is prevented by the sealers SB1-SB7, thereby preventing leakage to the outside. The toner that leaks from between the sealing member 54 and the overcoat 53 is prevented by the sealer SB8 to prevent leakage to the outside.

{Sealing of the interface between the developing means frame portion and the developing roller}

Since the seal is located in the vicinity of the developing blade 9a, the sealing body 12s extending in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B is the metal blade plate 9d1 and the developing means holding frame of the developing blade 9d. Located between the portions 12 and pressed between them, the seal 12s1 is positioned at each end of the developing blade 9d and partially pressed by the metal blade plate 9d1. Further, the blade 9d2 formed of urethane rubber is pressed on the developing roller 9c to seal the interface between the developing roller 9c and the developing blade 9d.

Since the sealing member is located in the vicinity of the developing roller 9c, the two sealing bodies 12s1 are disposed in one-to-one contact with the peripheral surface of the end of the developing roller 9c and the urethane rubber blade 9d2. The urethane blade portion 9d2 of the developing blade 9d is in contact with the generatrix portion of the developing roller 9c.

The end of the urethane rubber 9d2 is after the corresponding seal 12s1, and partially contacts the developing roller 9c by the pressure applied by the sponge seal 12s4. The sponge seal 12s4 is in contact with the seal 12s1 attached to the developing means holding frame portion 12. The sponge seal 12s4 is in contact with the urethane rubber 9d2 on the opposite side of the side in contact with the developing roller 9c because of its elasticity.

To prevent the toner from leaking out between the "blow-by" anti-sealing body 12s2, that is, the initial sealing body previously attached to the developing means holding frame portion 12 and the developing roller 9c. When overhauling the development unit D, a backup sheet is added as a seal for backing up the "blow-by" prevention seal 12s2.

This additional "blow-by" protection seal as a backup seal for the "blow-by" protection seal 12s2 (initial seal) is at least developed after separation of the developing unit D and the cleaning unit C. It is attached after the removal of the roller unit G. However, the operating efficiency may be better than when the developing blade 9d is removed before attachment of the seal 12s6. The steps for disassembling the process cartridge B to this point have already been described and will not be described again.

27 is a front view of the developing unit D from which the developing roller unit G and the gear box 9q are removed. Arms 19R and 19L were removed to remove developing roller unit G.

Figure 26 is a combination of vertical cross-sectional views of the process cartridge B, and after the installation of the "blow-by" prevention seal, the "blow-by" prevention seal in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B, and An enlarged cross-sectional view of an adjacent part of the developing unit. The developing means holding frame portion 12 is provided in the reinforcing member 12c, and a cross section similar to the slightly deformed letter Z is fixed to the bottom portion such as the lower jaw of the developing means holding frame portion 12. This reinforcing member 12C extends in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B and its longitudinal section is in contact with the corresponding seal 12s1 at the end of the process cartridge B. As shown in FIG. One side of the "blow-by" preventing seal 12s2 in the transverse direction of the process cartridge B is attached to the web portion of 21C2 of the reinforcing member 12c over the entire length of the web portion 12c2, and the developing roller The other side parallel to 9c is located in tangent with the peripheral surface of the developing roller 9c. The " blow-by " prevention seal 21s2 is long enough so that its end almost reaches the corresponding seal 12s1.

As shown in Fig. 27, the " blow-by " prevention seal 12s2 is in contact with the developing roller 9c because it is pressurized from the sponge seal 12s5. Each sponge seal 12s5 is attached to the developing means holding frame portion 12 and comes into contact with the corresponding seal 12s1, and the sponge 12s5 is in contact with the developing roller 9c due to its elasticity. On the opposite side of the contact with the corresponding " blow-by " prevention seal 12s2.

{Backup Seal Attachment Step}

The “blow-by” anti-backup seal 12s6 is about 50 μm thick and is formed of a sheet of elastic material, such as polyethylene-terraphthalein (PET). One surface of the "blow-by" anti-backup seal 12s6 is covered with a double-sided adhesive tape attached to it.

The " blow-by " prevention backup seal 12s6 is long enough for the termination so that its termination partially overlaps with the corresponding seal 12s1 (end seal).

In Fig. 28, this " blow-by " prevention backup seal 12s6 is attached to the bottom flange 12c1 of the reinforcing metal plate 12c using the finger F. In FIG. After the " blow-by " prevention backup seal 12s6 is attached, the developing means holding frame portion 12 appears as shown in FIG. In other words, the "blow-by" prevention backup seal 12s6 is flattened and extends 12s7 and 12s9 past the upper and lower edges of the bottom flange 12c1 of the flat reinforcing metal plate 12c. The portion 12s9 is curved toward the bottom side of the bottom edge of the bottom flange 12c1 using the finger F as shown in FIG. As a result, a part 12s9 is attached to the downward facing surface 12c3 of the reinforcing metal plate 12c and the downward facing surface 12h1 of the portion 12h such as the lower jaw.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the rear part of the developing unit after the sealer visible from the left front bottom is applied, and Fig. 26 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the portion 12h as the lower jaw and the adjacent part of the developing roller 9c. 23 shows the "blow-by" prevention backup seal 12c6, and it can be seen that the "blow-by" prevention backup seal 12s6 is attached after applying the sealer. Before the developing roller 9c is mounted, the " blow-by " prevention backup seal 12s6 is formed with the outer surface of the lower flange 12c1 of the reinforcing metal plate 12c shown by the portion indicated by reference numeral 12s7 in FIG. Extends straight in parallel.

After mounting of the developing roller 9c, the "blow-by" anti-backup seal 12s6 is developed in such a manner that the dimension of the contact area between the two elements with respect to the circumferential direction of the developing roller 9c is maintained at a specific value. The pressure is maintained on the peripheral surface of 9c. When this sealing member 12s6 keeps pressing on the developing roller 9c, the tip portion 12s8 of the sealing member 12s6 is not in contact with the developing roller 9c.

With the appropriate structural arrangement described above, the toner leaks from between the original " blow-by " prevention seals 12s6, thereby entering the space S6 (shown in Fig. 26). Since the space S6 is not directly affected by the toner pressure in the developing chamber 12a, the space S6 reduces the pressure that allows the toner to penetrate between the original seal 12s2 and the developing roller 9c. And assists the "blow-by" prevention backup seal 12s6 while maintaining contact between itself and the sealed development roller 9c.

{Assembly of the developing device}

After the sealers SB1 to SB8 are applied and the " blow-by " prevention backup seal 12s6 is attached, the toner container 11A is replenished with toner. The remaining elements are then reassembled. From this point all that is necessary to reassemble the process cartridge B is simply to reverse the above-described steps for disassembling the process cartridge B. In other words, the developing blade 9d is first attached by fixing the metal blade plate 9d1 to the flat blade mount 12i of the developing means holding frame portion 12 using screws as shown in FIG.

Next, in the developing roller device G, the developing roller 9c is fitted to the developing roller bearing 9j, the developing roller 9c is fitted to the developing means holding frame portion 12, and the developing roller 9c. ) Is assembled through processes such as those fitted to the developing roller gear 9k. Therefore, the apparatus G is developed in such a manner that the apparatus G covers the hole 12p and the longitudinal end of the developing roller 9c is in contact with the corresponding toner leakage preventing elastic seal 12s1 (end seal). It is arranged in the means holding frame portion 12. During these processes, the end of each developing roller bearing 9j is inserted into a corresponding groove 12p of the developing means holding frame portion 12. The gear box 9q is attached to the side plate 12A of the developing means holding frame portion 12.

Next, the arms 19R and 19L are inserted into the longitudinal end of the developing means holding frame portion 12, and simultaneously hold both developing roller bearings 9j in the corresponding approximately semi-cylindrical portion 9a, and the screws. Is fixed to the developing means holding frame portion 12 using.

Incidentally, prior to the mounting of the developing blade 9d and the developing roller 9c, the toner particles adhering to them are removed using a method such as blowing air over them while simultaneously releasing the air, and then the element Are diagnosed to determine whether they can be reused. Elements that do not meet certain performance criteria are replaced with new products as needed. However, if it is obvious or almost certain that a particular element needs to be replaced during the overhaul process or through static analysis performed during urea development, replacing this element with a new product without inspection will result in an improvement in operating efficiency. Can be.

{Toner filling process}

Next, the toner container 11A is replenished with toner. Referring to Fig. 33, the toner holding frame portion 11 and the developing means holding frame portion 12 in such a manner that the opening of the hole 12p is faced upward, that is, the toner container 11A is placed on the bottom surface thereof. The toner is filled in the toner holding frame portion 11 while maintaining the bond of. Through the opening of the hole 12p, the end of the funnel 47 is inserted, and the toner t is poured from the toner bottle 48 into the funnel 47. Incidentally, the installation of a volumetric feeder equipped with a main body or a screw awl of a heavy funnel 47 can improve the toner filling efficiency.

{Process where the developing unit is combined with the cleaning unit and the cover is attached}

Next, referring to Fig. 8, the connecting pins 22 inserted in the side plates 13s, left sides of the cleaning apparatus C are inserted into the holes 20L of the arms 19L, and the developing apparatus D and The cleaning device C is connected to each other in the same manner as fitting the rotating axle 20R projecting from the arm 19R into the slot 21R of the side plate 13s, right side of the cleaning device C. When the connecting pin 22 is pulled out using the radio pliers during disassembly of the process cartridge B, the rotary axle 20R of the developing apparatus D is first fitted into the aforementioned slot 21R, and then the connecting pin ( 22 is pressed through the hole 21L of the cleaning device C in such a way that the end of the connecting pin 22 slides into the hole 20L of the arm 19L.

Finally, the combination of the developing device D and the cleaning device C is fitted to the cartridge cover 15, and the cartridge cover 15 is in the reverse order of the disassembly step, with the small screws 15d and the pins 15c. To the cleaning device (C).

The process by which the "blow-by" preventive backing seal is attached can be summarized as follows.

(1) by a washing apparatus C or a first apparatus, a developing roller 9c and a developing roller 9c, which can be detachably mounted in the apparatus main assembly 14, and supports the photosensitive drum 7. A developing apparatus D or a second apparatus having a developing means holding frame portion 12 for supporting a toner holding frame portion 11 for storing the toner used for development, connected in a manner that is allowed to pivot relative to each other. In a manner for overhauling a process cartridge B comprising the two devices,

(a) separating the device from which the first and second devices are separated from each other

(b) the developing apparatus removing step of removing the developing roller 9c in the separated second apparatus from the second apparatus.

(c) In order to prevent toner from leaking out between the developing roller 9c and the developing means holding frame portion 12, a sealing body 12s6, which is an added seal, is placed in the longitudinal direction of the developing means holding frame portion 12. A step of attaching a backup seal attached to the developing means holding frame portion 12 along the "blow-by" preventing seal 12s6, which is an original seal attached to the developing means holding frame portion 12 along the edge, Is performed.

The portion of the developing means holding frame portion 12 to which the "blow-by" preventing backup seal 12s6 is attached is formed of the developing means holding frame portion 12 relative to the original "blow-by" preventing seal 12s6. It is on the outward side.

In the step where the " blow-by " prevention backup seal 12s6, i.e., the added seal is attached to the developing means holding frame portion 12, the " blow-by " "Development means retained in such a manner that the inward longitudinal edge of the preventive back-up seal 12s6 extends over both the developing means holding frame portion 12 and the reinforcing metal plate 12c attached to the developing means holding frame portion 12. The frame portion 12 is excessive.

In addition, in the step where the " blow-by " prevention backup seal 12s6, that is, the added seal is attached to the developing means holding frame portion 12, the " blow-by " With respect to the direction in which the peripheral surface of the developing roller 9c is moved by the rotation of the developing roller 9c, with the "by" preventing backup seal 12s6 being in contact with the developing roller 9c, the "blow-by" preventing sealing It is attached to the developing means holding frame portion 12 in such a manner as to be upstream with respect to the sieve 12s6 or the original " blow-by "

The developer replenishment step takes place after the step of attaching the " blow-by " preventive backing seal 12s6 as an added seal.

The developing roller attached to the developing means holding frame portion 12 in the developing roller attaching step is a developing roller or recycled developing roller 9c of a new product.

The disassembly inspection of the process cartridge B is performed without resealing the developer releasing opening 11i through supplying the toner stored in the toner container 11A to the developing roller 9c.

{Overhaul of the washing unit}

At the same time as the shaping device is overhauled, the separated washing device C is also overhauled.

8 shows a photosensitive drum 7, a charging roller 8, and a cleaning means holding frame portion 13. The cleaning blade 10a attached to the cleaning means holding frame portion 13 is not visible. 9 is a perspective view of the cleaning device C in a disassembled state. 34 shows a structure used for supporting the charging roller 8 by the cleaning means holding frame portion 13.

Referring to Fig. 9, the photosensitive drum 7 is attached to a hollow aluminum cylinder 7d whose peripheral surface is plated with a photosensitive layer, a flange 7j attached to one end of the photosensitive drum 7 and the other end thereof. Flange 7k. In the method for attaching the flanges 7j, 7k, they are inserted into the corresponding ends of the photosensitive drum 7 and fixed thereto by gluing, crimping or the like. The flange 7j has a drum gear 7b. The flange 7k has a transfer roller drive gear 7n. The drum shaft 7a (shown only in the left side, the same on the right side), which has been placed through the center holes 7j1 and 7k1 of each of the flanges 7j and 7k, is attached to the supporting plate 13c by crimping. The support plate 13c was attached to the cleaning means holding frame portion 13. The process cartridge B is mounted in the instrument main assembly 14, whereby the drum gear 7b is engaged with an unshown drive gear of the image forming apparatus main assembly 14, and the transfer roller gear 7n is transferred to the transfer roller ( Meshes with an unshown gear fixed to 4). After the cleaning device C and the developing device D are combined, the drum gear 7b and the developing roller gear 9k of the developing roller 9c are in engagement with each other.

As described above, the charging means is attached to the cleaning means holding frame portion 13 as the charging device E. 9 and 34, the charging roller 8 is made of a metal shaft 8a and an elastic member 8a2 formed around the shaft 8a, that is, a rubber roller having an intermediate electrical resistance. The shaft 8a protrudes from both ends of the charging roller 8.

Referring to Fig. 34, each charging roller bearing 8b is slidably fitted into a guide groove 8A2 whose center line coincides with a line connecting the center of the charging roller 8 and the photosensitive drum 7. The guide groove 8A2 is part of the washing means container 13 (washing means for supporting the frame portion). The shaft 8a of the charging roller 8 is rotatably fitted to the charging roller bearing 8b. A compression coil spring 8c placed in a compressed state between the spring seat 8A3 located at one end of the guide groove 8A2 and the bearing 8b presses the charging roller 8b in the direction of the photosensitive drum 7. As a result, the charging roller 8 remains pressed on the photosensitive drum 7. The charging roller 8 rotates along the rotation of the photosensitive drum 7. The compression coil spring 8c is supported by the bearing 8b.

The charging roller 8 is electrically connected to the high voltage power source of the main assembly 14 device. More specifically, the metal shaft 8a of the charging roller 8 is located in contact with an electrode, not shown, which extends outwardly of the process cartridge B. As shown in FIG. The outward end of the electrode, not shown, constitutes an external charger biasing the contact point 120 connected to the contact connected to the high voltage power source of the image forming apparatus, which is the main assembly 14.

Referring to Fig. 9, the cleaning blade 10a includes an elastic blade 10a1 positioned in contact with a generatrix portion of the photosensitive drum 7 and a metal blade plate 10a2 on which the elastic blade 10a1 is fixed. Is prepared. 9, the cleaning blade 10a is provided with two notches, one at each longitudinal end, and the metal blade plate 10a2 is provided with two holes 10a3, one at each longitudinal end. do. The cleaning blade 10a is fixed to the cleaning means supporting the frame portion 13; Small screws, not shown, pass through the holes 10a3 of the metal blade plate 10a2 (not shown) of the cleaning means for supporting the frame portion 13 fitted in the notches 10a3 of the metal blade plate 10a2. It is screwed into the cleaning means for supporting the frame part 13 together with the protrusion.

In connection with the foregoing, a process for removing the photosensitive drum 7 and the charging roller 8 is described.

5 and 6, the small screw 13b for firmly supporting the support plate 13c to the cleaning means for supporting the frame portion 13 is first removed, and then the support plate 13c is removed from the process cartridge B. As shown in FIG. It is removed outward in the longitudinal direction. Then, the drum shaft 7b is pulled out from the hole 13s1 of the side plate 13s of the cleaning means which supports the center hole 7j1, 7k1 of each of the flanges 7j, 7k, and the frame part 13. As shown in FIG.

Thereafter, the photosensitive drum 7 is removed from the washing means supporting the frame portion 13; The photosensitive drum 7 is moved between the side plates 13s of the cleaning means for supporting the frame portion 13 in the width direction of the process cartridge B. As shown in FIG.

The charging roller unit E is removed from the cleaning means for supporting the frame portion 13 by extracting the fastener 13h from the hole 13s2 of the side plate 13s of the cleaning means for supporting the frame portion 13; The fastener 13h can be pulled out of the hole 13s2 by pulling the fastener 13h while tightening in such a manner as to bring the snap-fit pair of claws of the fastener 13h into close proximity with each other using a radio pliers. After the fastener 13h is removed, the charging unit E is provided with a joggle (not shown) on the left end surface of the charging means for supporting the frame portion 8A to support the frame portion 13. It is lifted from the left side and pulled to the left so as to emerge from the hole 13s3 of the side plate 13s of the cleaning means.

When the above-described process is performed, an opening G (Fig. 36) is created between the cleaning blade 10a and the scooping sheet 10d. The opening G extends substantially across the entire range in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge B. FIG.

After removal of the charging roller unit E, the charging roller 8 is perpendicular to its shaft, parallel to the cleaning means for supporting the frame portion 13 while sliding the bearing 8b outwardly in the guide groove 8A1. Move. As a result, the bearing 8b is pulled out of the guide groove 8A1 held attached to the charging roller 8. Next, the bearing 8b is pulled out of the shaft 8a and the compression coil spring 8c is removed.

After being removed, the photosensitive drum 7, the charging roller 8, the bearing 8b and the compression coil spring 8c are inspected to determine if they can be recycled. If it can be recycled, when reassembling the process cartridge B, it is assembled into the cleaning means supporting the frame portion 13. If it cannot be recycled, it is replaced with a new one. Since the life of the photosensitive drum 7 is substantially longer than that of other parts of the process cartridge B, it is usual that the photosensitive drum 7 of the process cartridge having toner exhausted can be recycled as it is.

After the photosensitive drum 7, the charging roller 8, the bearing 8c, and the like are removed from the cleaning means supporting the frame portion 13, the waste toner accumulated in the cleaning means supporting the frame portion 13 is removed. do.

Next, referring to Figs. 35 to 37, the cleaning of the cleaning means for supporting the frame portion 13, that is, the removal of the waste toner accumulated in the cleaning means for supporting the frame portion 13 will be described.

35 shows an apparatus 70 for cleaning of the cleaning means supporting the frame portion 13. In order to wash the cleaning means for supporting the frame part 13, the cleaning means for supporting the frame part 13 are located in the sealed housing 70a of the cleaning device 70 and support the frame part 13. The waste toner in the cleaning means is evacuated by the vacuum device while the cleaning means for supporting the frame portion 13 is sintered by a welting device 77 fixed to the vibration device 73. The vibrating device 73 is a device for vibrating washing means for supporting the frame portion 13 around the shaft 76b.

36 shows a detailed portion of the air block 79a of the vacuum apparatus 79. As shown in FIG. Substantially the entire air block 79a is hollow. The contact surface 79g of the air block 79a in hermetic contact with the washing means for supporting the frame portion 13 by covering the opening G of the washing means for supporting the frame portion 13 is a blow opening 79d and Except the suction opening 79e, it is entirely covered with a sealant 79b formed of a rubber material. The air block 79a includes an air conveying tube 79c for blowing air into the washing means for supporting the frame portion 13, and the air outlet 79d of the air conveying tube 79b is the contact surface 79g described above. Adjacent one end thereof in the longitudinal direction. The air block 79a also includes a suction tube 79f, and the air inlet 79e of the suction tube 79f is also adjacent to the other end in its longitudinal direction in the contact surface 79g described above. The air block 79a is a support portion 72 (hereinafter " support ") of the cleaning means for supporting the frame portion, in which the cleaning means for supporting the frame portion 13 disposed at the cleaning position M2 is described later in the direction indicated by the arrow K3. (B) provided with a tool outlet (79d) and an air inlet (79e) completely cover the opening (G) between the cleaning blade (10a) and the scoop-up seat (10d) when moved by 10a and the scoop-up sheet 10d. Referring to Fig. 36, the areas A1, A2 and A3 of the cleaning means supporting the frame portion 13 designated by the dashed-dotted line in Fig. 36 as points corresponding to the areas of the opening G are blown with air. Area to be sealed in. The zones A1, A2, A3 correspond to the contact surface 79g, the air outlet 79d and the air inlet 79e of the air block 78a. The vacuum apparatus 79 has a frame portion (which is airtightly connected with the air block 79a from the air outlet 79d whose compressed air Q1 supplied from the base side of the air transfer tube 79c is hermetically connected to the air inlet A2). 13 is configured to be conveyed through the opening G into the cleaning means supporting the arrow (arrow Q2), and when the air is blown into the waste toner in the cleaning means supporting the frame portion 13, Air is drawn through the air inlet 79e hermetically connected to the air outlet A3 together with the air in the supporting washing means to be sucked out (arrow Q3) and further sucked (arrow Q4) toward the base side.

As shown in Fig. 35, the toner and the air block 79a leaked from the cleaning means supporting the frame portion 13, along with the ambient air, through the ambient air intake opening 78, have a shaft (not shown). It is vacuumed by the directional vacuum device.

Next, the method of washing the cleaning means supporting the frame portion 13 and the operation of the cleaning device 70 are shown in FIG. 36 and the operation of the cleaning device 70 showing the structure of the cleaning device 70 with reference to FIG. This will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 37A and 37B, which are flowcharts of FIG.

First, the cleaning device 70 (vacuum cleaner) is turned on (S1). Thereafter, the cleaning means for supporting the frame portion 13 or the object to be cleaned is located on the upper surface of the support 72 installed at the original position M1 (S2). Next, the lid 70b is sealed (S3). The closing of the lid 70b is detected by the sensor 70d (S4), and the air cylinder of the clamping device (not shown) is turned on to apply pressure to the upper surface of the cleaning means supporting the frame portion 13 (S5). .

As a result, the washing means for supporting the frame portion 13 is clamped at a predetermined position of the support 72 (S6). Next, the air cylinder 75 whose piston rod is directly connected to the support 72 is turned on (S7) so that the support 72 vibrates from the original position M1 to the washing position M2 on the slide base 71. (73) to slide in. As a result, the peripheral area of the opening G is located in hermetic contact with the contact surface 79g of the vacuum apparatus 79 (FIG. 36). Next, the motor 77a is turned on (S9) to drive the solting apparatus 77; The pin 77b of the crank fixed to the shaft of the motor 77a vibrates the yoke 77c around the pin 77d supporting the yoke 77c. As a result, a pin P on the upper surface of the cleaning means supporting the frame portion 13 (FIG. 3) leaves a striker 77g fixed to the tip of the arm 77c, i.e. a leaf fixed to the yoke 77c. ) Strike in a manner to vibrate by the spring (S10). As a result, the waste toner adhered to the inner surface of the cleaning means supporting the frame portion 13 is easily shaken down and removed. Next, the rotary actuator 76 is operated (S11) so that the pivotable table 73a of the vibration device 73 pivotally supports the pivotable table 73a at an angle of α (0 ° -80 °) at a time. It causes the pair of helical gears to repeatedly rotate around the axis 76b (connected to the axis of the rotary actuator 76) (S12). The angle of the pivotable table 73a is supported by the adjustable stops 71a and 71b. Next, the pressure control valve (not shown) of the vacuum apparatus 79 is opened (S13, S14), and the compressed air is introduced into the air through the opening G in the washing means supporting the frame portion 13. It is blown through the opening G from the air outlet 79d (FIG. 36) into the cleaning means supporting the frame portion 13 while sucking the air together with the waste toner from the inlet 79e. The process lasts for a sufficient time.

Next, the pivotable table 73a pivots so that reciprocation is possible (S15). Thereafter, the rotary actuator 76 is turned off (S16), and the parallel position of the turntable table 73 is confirmed (parallel position N1) (S17), and the motor 77a is turned off (S18, S19), and the solting apparatus Vibration strike of the washing | cleaning means which supports the frame part 13 by 77 is completed. Next, the compressed air control valve is closed (S20, S21), and the air cylinder is compressed in the return direction (S22) so that the support 72 at the washing position M2 is returned to the original position M1. (S23). Thereafter, the air cylinder for the clamp (not shown) is turned off (S24), and the cleaning means for supporting the frame portion 13 from the support body 72 is dismantled (S25). Next, the lid 70b is opened (S26), and the washing means for supporting the frame portion 13 is taken out of the housing 70a (S27), and the washing of the washing means for supporting the frame portion 13 is completed. .

In Fig. 37, during the period from S9 to S18 in the flowchart, the striking of the cleaning means frame portion 13 by the solting apparatus 77 is associated with the suction of the pivot and waste toner of the cleaning means holding frame portion 13; Lasts together. Therefore, the waste toner attached to the inner surface of the washing means holding frame portion 13 or the like by shaking the washing means holding frame portion 13 is shaken off and floated in the air by the compressed air discharged from the air outlet 79d. It moves smoothly toward G and is sucked in through the air inlet 79e. By this continuous and simultaneous action, it is ensured that the waste toner in the cleaning means holding frame portion 13 is completely extracted without leaving any toner.

After completion of the toner extraction, the cleaning blade 10a holds the cleaning means by removing small screws (not shown) screwed into the cleaning means holding frame portion 13 through the metal blade plate 10a2 of the cleaning blade 10a. It is removed from the frame portion 13. Thereafter, the scooping sheet 10d is peeled off from the cleaning means holding frame portion 13. Thereafter, the washing means holding frame portion 13 is washed by blowing compressed air into the washing means holding frame portion 13 while sucking air from the washing means holding frame portion 13. Thereafter, a new scooping sheet 10d is adhered to the cleaning means holding frame portion 13. Next, a new cleaning blade 10a is positioned on the cleaning means holding frame 13 in such a way that an unshown positioning protrusion of the cleaning means holding frame 13 is coupled to the notch 10a3 of the cleaning blade 10. do. Thereafter, a small screw, not shown, is screwed into the cleaning means holding frame portion 13 through the hole 10a3 of the metal blade plate 10a3.

Next, the charging roller 8 and the shaft 8a coupled with the bearing 8b with the compression coil spring 8c are attached to the charging means holding frame portion 8A, whereby the charging unit E is completed. . In particular, the bearing 8b is coupled into the guide groove 8A1 to support the charging roller 8 so that the compression coil spring 8c comes to the front face in the bearing insertion direction, one at a time. The longitudinal end of the completed charging unit E is coupled to the holes 13s2 and 13s3 of the side plates 13s of the cleaning means holding frame portion 13. Then, the photosensitive drum 7 is engaged between the side plates 13s located at the longitudinal end of the cleaning means holding frame portion 13, so that the holes 13s1 of the side plates 13s of the cleaning means holding frame portion 13 are formed. ) And the center holes 7j1, 7k1 of the flanges 7j, 7k, respectively, so that the drum shaft 7a is inserted through the holes 13s1 and the holes 7j1, 7k1. After the drum shaft 7a is inserted through the hole 13s1, it is fixed to the side plates 13s by crimping. The drum shaft 7a is slid into the holes 13j and 13k. That is, the assembled photosensitive drum 7 is freely rotated around the drum shaft 7a. Next, the support plate 13c is fixed to the washing means holding frame portion 13 using a small screw 13b.

As described above, according to the present invention, a simple method of overhauling a process cartridge may be provided.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the structures disclosed herein, the present invention is not limited to the above-described details, and the present application is intended to cover variations or modifications that may be within the scope or spirit of the following claims. Include.

According to the present invention, there is provided an easy regeneration method of a process cartridge in which the developer does not leak to the outside of the process cartridge when the process cartridge is transported, and the process cartridge which terminates the commercial value is given the commercial value and returns the commercial value. Can provide.

Claims (10)

A first unit for supporting an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a developer frame for supporting a developing roller, and a developer accommodating portion for accommodating a developer used for developing by the developing roller, and a developer accommodated in the developer accommodating portion. A second unit having a developer supply opening for supplying to the developing roller, wherein the first and second units are removably mounted to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, rotatably coupled to each other. Is a method of recycling a process cartridge (a) a unit separating step of separating the first unit and the second unit from each other, (b) a developing roller disassembling step of disassembling the developing roller mounted on the second unit separated in the separating step; (c) an additional seal mounting step of mounting an additional seal along the original seal mounted to the developing frame along the longitudinal direction of the developing frame to prevent leakage of the developer between the developing roller and the developing frame; , (d) a developer recharging step of recharging the developer inside the developer accommodating portion of the second unit separated by the separating step; (e) reloading the developing roller to the second unit separated by the separating step; (f) unit recombination for recombining the first unit and the second unit to regenerate the process cartridge without remounting the toner seal in the unsealed developer supply opening by removing the toner seal at the beginning of use of the process cartridge; And comprising a step. The method of claim 1 wherein the additional seal mounting step is mounted at a location outside the original seal. 3. The development according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the additional seal mounting step, the additional seal is developed by adhering one lateral end of the additional seal to the developing frame and the metal portion later mounted on the developing frame. And mounted to the frame. 4. The development according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the additional seal mounting step, the additional seal is mounted on a developing frame and developed at a position upstream of the original seal relative to the direction of rotation of the developing roller. The roller is in contact with the roller. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the developer refilling step is performed after an additional seal mounting step. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in the developing roller remounting step, the developing roller is a new or reused developing roller. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising disassembling the electrophotographic photosensitive drum and the cleaning blade from the first unit to remove the developer remaining on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; Removing from the first unit the developer removed from the photosensitive drum. 8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of mounting a new or reused electrophotographic photosensitive drum in the first unit after the developer removal step comprises the steps of: mounting a new or reused blade. It further comprises a method. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising disassembling the cartridge cover covering the first unit and the second unit prior to the unit detaching step. 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein in the unit detachment step, the first unit and the second unit are removed by removing a pin mounted at one of the engagement positions of opposite ends of the units and at the other engagement portion. And separating from each other by releasing the engagement between the groove provided in the first unit and the dowel of the second unit.